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“Pleasure Promoter.” 


Strikes^the Right Vein. It not only Instructs, but 
Pleases All, both Old and Young, No One 
Can Read It without Exclaiming, 

“Well Done; the Best 
Book I Ever 
Read.” 


When true woman’s suspicions are thoroughly ’roused. 
And life’s dreams of pleasure at an end. 

She still clings to the cause she espoused, 

Tho’ death’s arrow it causes to send. 



/ 



By S. jay BOWBRS. 


CHICAGO: 


1888. 








Copyrighted, 1888, 

By S. JA.Y BOWERS. 



PREFACE. 


“Pleasuke Promoter” is really what the 
name indicates, although the name may sug- 
gest, to the minds of some, something entirely 
different to what the book really is. 

The object of the author is to promulgate 
correct practices in married life — those prac- 
tices which will conduce to the greatest amount 
of happiness and pleasure between man and 
wife. The author is sanguine in the belief 
that if the precepts and good advice herein 
contained are strictly adhered to, and the bad 
practices herein set forth are entirely shunned 
and avoided, the greatest amount of pleasure 
will be the result. Hoping and trusting this 
object may be attained is the greatest desire of 

THE AUTHOK. 


I N D EX. 


PAGE. 

Chapter I. - - - - 5 

Chapter II. - - - - 11 

Chapter III. - - - 23 

Chapter IY. - - - - 29 

Chapter V. - - - 36 

Chapter VI. - - - - 47 

Chapter VII. - - - 51 

Chapter YIII. - - - - 65 

Part Second. 

Chapter I. - - - - 78 

Something for Mothers to Read. 92 


CHAPTEK I. 


BROWN STONE MANSION ON FIFTH AVENUE, 
NEW YORK CITY, OWNED AND OCCUPIED 
BY A YOUNG MILLIONAIRE BANKER. — AP- 
PEARANCES VERY DECEITFUL. — WEALTH 
AND HAPPINESS NOT ALWAYS FOUND TO- 
GETHER. 

mansion is the finest on the avenue, 
^ with elaborately carved stone front, hav- 
ing every indication of luxury, leading the 
passer-by to exclaim, Here is wealth!” 

Such is the exterior of this mansion. On en- 
tering, our eyes are dazed with indications of 
luxury, a description of which we will not at- 
tempt. Suffice it to say, the surroundings are 
elegant in the extreme. 

The name of the occupant is George Dalton, 
of the firm of Dalton, Granger & Co. , bankers. 
Mr. Dalton had just married one of New York’s 
most beautiful and accomplished young ladies, 
the only child of James Bancroft, the senior 
partner in the wealthy firm of Bancroft, Dodge 
<fe Co., wholesale dry goods merchants. 

Mr. Dalton engaged in the banking business 
just previous to marrying. He immediately 
purchased the Fifth avenue mansion, which was 
furnished in all its gorgeousness. Taking pos- 
session they started on life’s eventful journey 


6 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


with the brightest prospects of the future before 
them. 

Such were the auspices under which this 
happy young married couple started out. But 
alas ! the change the sequel will unfold. The 
reader will be carried through a labyrinth of cir- 
cumstances never before depicted with pen, al- 
ternately causing tears and mirth. At times 
bewildering with sorrow; then again the dark 
cloud bursts and seemingly happiness beams 
forth in all its untold glory, carrying the reader 
aloft with ecstacy. We will not have the reader 
anticipate further, but proceed with our thrill- 
in» and strictly true pen picture. 

The first year of their married life was one 
continuous whirl of pleasure, with operas, late 
suppers at Delmonico’s, parties at their own 
mansion and at homes of friends, whom they 
could count by thousands, of the very elite of 
the city. Amid such circumstances and sur- 
roundings, why should their cup of pleasure not 
be full to overflowing ? 

A year has passed, and a God-given little 
cherub is dropped into their laps — a little girl 
is born, which still more enhances their pleas- 
ure and happiness. 

As time rolls on, and the little darling is 
rightfully taking a great share of the young 
mother’s time, which is a hindrance to her de- 
voting as much time to pleasures as had been 
her habit and pride, for, be it said, she naturally 
enjoyed high life, and, be it said also to her 
praise, she possessed the true principle of wo- 


. PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


7 


man and mother, and would willingly and 
cheerfully sacrifice all other pleasures in order 
to devote her time to the comfort and welfare 
of her little darling. Such, in short, was the 
disposition and inclination of this angelic and 
wronged woman. 

A change, a great change, takes place in this 
mansion and with this once happy family. Oh, 
we pray to God that we could obliterate from 
these pages that which must follow, but the 
truth must be told. Mr. Dalton had been ex- 
ceedingly kind and attentive for several months 
after baby was born, in fact was all that could 
be asked or expected of a kind and indulgent 
husband and parent. To his credit it may be 
said he had neglected for some time to attend 
the regular meetings of a club of which he was 
a member of high standing. He had sacrificed 
the pleasures of his club meetings, only appear- 
ing on important occasions. As we before re- 
marked, a change took place, a very perceptible 
change. His urgent calls, as he alleged, were 
more and more frequent. His absence of late 
had been of so frequent occurrence that it was 
a great source of trouble to the young wife. 
One night it was unusually late when he arrived 
home, nearly one o’clock. He entered their 
room stealthily, or so quietly it might easily 
have been interpreted as such. He found his 
wife sitting by the easy crib rocldng baby, 
with her head resting upon one hand. ‘‘ Why, 
Helen, are you up ? What is the matter ? ” 

She slowly raised her head, showing her eyes 


8 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


red with weeping, and answered: ‘‘George, 
baby is sick; nurse reported to me, and I or- 
dered her brought in here. Why are you so 
late?” 

“Oh, extra club business. But here, what 
must be done?” He was all attention. “Shall 
I go for the doctor ? ” 

“No, I think not; she seems easier. I’ve 
given her some of those drops Dr. Clayton pre- 
scribed for a similar attack. ” 

Morning came; baby was convalescent, and 
George was in much better spirits, and repaired 
to his bank at the usual hour. Baby recovered, 
and matters ran along in their usual course, 
until strange news was received, the purport 
of which could not have been more startling. 
It was as though a bomb had been exploded 

before her eyes. Mrs. C , of L street, 

an intimate acquaintance, had called, and was 
seated in the drawing room chatting merrily 
with Mrs. Dalton. In the course of the con- 
versation, she inadvertently dropped the fol- 
lowing remark: “ I see Mr. Dalton visits our 
street quite often, always stopping at No. 124, 
Mrs. Kingsley’s, my next door neighbor. She 
is a young widow, very pretty and reported to 
be very wealthy. I hav’n’t the pleasure of the 
lady’s acquaintance.” 

Mrs. Dalton suppressed the shock and in- 
ward feeling and merely answered, “Oh, yes, 
banking business, I presume,” and the subject 
was discontinued. 

In due time the call of Mrs. C 


was 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


9 


ended, but not so with the rankling news she 
had just imparted. The ‘‘beautiful young^ 
widow Kingsley” was uppermost in Mrs. 
Dalton’s mind all day long. She kept all to 
herself. For several days she was busy in her 
mind concocting a plan and arranging some 
means by which she might be able to learn 
something more definite with regard to her 
husband’s frequent calls at Mrs. Kingsley’s. 

Lately Greorge had been absent from home 
almost nightly, which went far to strengthen 
her suspicions that all might not be right. At 
last she hit upon a plan of operations. She 
was a clear-headed woman, never jumping at a 
conclusion, but when she arrived at a resolu- 
tion, and put it in operation, it was invariably 
with mature deliberation. George always had 
an excuse for going out in the evening, some- 
times only to meet a business engagement^ 
‘ ‘ will be in early. ” At other times, important 
club business would detain him until late. 
“You must not sit up for me,” he would say. 

Helen had noticed these variable excuses and 
arranged her plan accordingly. She came to 
the conclusion that when he made an excuse ta 
be out late it was for the purpose of meeting 
Mrs. Kingsley. She had ruminated this matter 
over so long that it had aroused a latent spirit 
which had never before shoAvn itself. The 
world knows that a true wife’s suspicions will 
be aroused, and she will believe that some wo- 
man has stepped in between her and her hus- 
band and worked her wily snares about him 

2 


10 


PLEASUKE PROMOTEK. 


when he begins to neglect her, grows cold and 
morose toward her whom he has sworn to love, 
cherish and protect. We cannot wonder then 
if she faces death to protect herself. This is 
the true situation, and now thoroughly believed 
in by this wronged woman. Can we wonder 
that the ferocious tiger spirit shows itself in 
all its fury, a spirit which heretofore she was 
wholly unconscious of having possessed, not 
having ever before been confronted with an op- 
portunity to bring it out ? 


CHAPTER 11. 


THE CLOUDS WHICH HAVE BEEN GATHEKING 
FOR A LONG TIME ARE ABOUT TO BURST 
AND DELUGE A ONCE HAPPY FAMILY. — THE 
FIRST STEP TOWARD INVESTIGATION. — SHE 
MUST HAVE A CONFEDERATE. 

I N the afternoon, when George was supposed 
to he at the bank, Mrs. Dalton called 
‘‘Sam,” her trusty colored servant, who im- 
mediately made his appearance. 

“ Sam, I have a job for you.” 

“All right. Missus; I’m ready.” 

“Well, Sam, I am not ready for you just at 
present, but wish to let you into a secret, which 
you must keep as sacredly as your own life.” 

“All right, Missus. I’d die fer yo’ to help 
yo’; yo’ knows I would.” 

“No harm can come to you, Sam, but you 
can help me in a certain matter.” 

Sam was perfectly reliable; he had been with 
them since the commencement of their house- 
keeping, and known to be trustworthy. He 
was very intelligent, and could understand and 
appreciate every word. 

“Now for the business, Sam. I want you 
to disguise yourself; do you understand ? ” 

“ Don’t want me to paint myself white, duz 
yo’. Missus ? ” Sam was quite inclined to crack 
a joke whenever he had a chance. 


21 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


‘‘Oh, no, Sam; I appreciate the joke, but 
nothing of that nature is wanted.” 

“ Well, anything. Missus, yo’ say Sam will 
do, ef he can, ter please yo’. I would cut 
dese two legs oft" dar (reaching down to his 
knees), and walk on de stubs ef it would help 
Missus.” 

“ Sam, I only want you to provide yourself 
with an old coat and hat, something entirely 
difterent from what you are in the habit of 
wearing, to disguise yourself, and be in readi- 
ness to slip them on with a minute’s notice; it 
may be to-night, it may not be in a week. Now 
go and arrange your disguise and report at 
once.” 

Mrs. Dalton had planned to wait until Mr. 
Dalton notified her he would be late again at 
the club, as that would probably be the even- 
ing he wished to spend with Mrs. Kingsley. 
This was her interpretation of the matter. 
How near the truth her sagaciousness led her 
the sequel will show. 

When true woman’s suspicions are thoroughly ’roused. 
And life’s dreams of pleasure at an end, 

She still clings to the cause she espoused, 

Tho’ death’s arrow it causes to send. 

In about an hour Sam made his appearance 
in his new garb. “Missus, how duz yo’ like 
dis?” 

Mrs. Dalton scarcely recognized him he was 
so changed in appearance. “ That’s all right, 
Sam; now go and change, and return at once 
for further instructions.” 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


13 


In a few moments Sam reappeared. ‘ ‘ Sam, 
do you know where L street is ? ” 

“ Yes’m, I duz.” 

‘‘Do you know where No. 124 is ? ” 

“Don’t think I duz, kase I hain’t be’n on 
dat street in a long time.” 

“Sam, you can read numbers easily, can 
you ? ” * 

“Oh, yes, Missus; can read ail de numbers 
in de city ef yo’ want me to.” 

“No. 124 has an electric light immediately 
in front, and you can plainly see the number 
over the door in large gold letters.” 

‘ ‘ Ef Missus wants me to go dar in de eb- 
ening den de ’lectric light will make me see de 
number. ” 

“You are right, Sam, and it will be in the 
evening when I want you to go. It may be 
this evening, so be in readiness; don’t go away 
from the house.” 

“All right. Missus. I won’t go one step 
from de house, cou’se I won’t.” 

“When I call you, you must slip on your 

disguise and go straight to No. 124 L 

street. Watch that house if you stay all night 
until you see a man come out. When a man 
makes his appearance, I want you to be* near 
the steps and look sharp, and make sure wheth- 
er you know him, then return home, go to bed, 
and report to mo in the morning. ” 

“All right. Missus.” 

“ Now do you thoroughly understand me ? ’’ 

“Oh, yes, eber wo’d.” 


14 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


As Mr. Dalton had been in quite early for 
the last few nights, she knew he was liable to 
make his usual excuse to be out late at any 
time, it might be to-night. 

He made his appearance that evening at the 
usual dinner hour, six o’clock. Of course the 
reader is aware that this is the fashionable 
hour for dinner . with the wealthy of New 
York. As he entered the door, he heard the 
piano. Mrs. Dalton had seated herself at the 
piano for the moment to drive out, if possible, 
the harassing thoughts which were uppermost 
in her mind. At this juncture Mr. Dalton 
stepped into the room, and without any mani- 
festation of pleasure at meeting her, although 
it had been his habit to give her a caress and a 
kiss, he merely asked: “Is dinner ready ? ” 

“I don’t know, George. I will see.” 

“No, you never would know; that’s all the 
interest you take in household matters.” 

If an arrow had pierced Helen’s heart it 
could not have stung more keenly. It was the 
first, the very first, jeering remark he had ever 
directed toward her. She mechanically moved 
toward the dining room, scarcely realizing her 
aim or object. She entered the dining room 
and asked the waiting-maid: “ Is dinner nearly 
ready ? ” 

“Yes, ma’am, in a very few minutes.” 

Mrs. Dalton returned to the drawing room. 
Mr. Dalton had thrown himself on a sofa and 
was reading his daily papers. “Dinner is al- 
most ready, George.” 


PLEASUEE PEOMOTER. 


15 


No recognition of her presence or reply to 
her remark. Dinner was announced, and seem- 
ingly thoroughly enjoyed by Mr. Dalton, but 
not so with his wife; she could not eat. 

Dinner past, Mr. Dalton again repaired to 
the drawing room, resuming his position on 
the sofa with his papers. It was nearly eight 
o’clock when he arose, yawned, and remarked: 
“Helen, I am obliged to be out quite late at 
the club. I hope you will not worry nor sit 
up for me.” 

She was sitting with her head resting upon 
her hands, and she neither looked up nor made 
any reply. He started out, and immediately 
after he closed the door, she commenced putting 
the plan she had concocted into execution. “ It 
must be done quickly.” She flew to the ward 
robe and throwing on an old waterproof and 
hood rushed out for the side gate. She saw 
him less than half a block away. She had 
been very quick in her movements, and he had 
but very little the start. She must keep him 
in view; she must shadow him or all would be 
lost. She moved as if impelled by a catapult. 
The very walk seemed to raise her feet. With 
her eyes riveted on her object, glaring with ex- 
citement, until the eye balls almost burst from 
their sockets, she sped on, and on, until they 
reached Broadway, where the pedestrians were 
much more numerous, which compelled her to 
increase her speed in order to keep him in view. 
She was quite thin in flesh, therefore very fleet 
on foot. 


16 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


She had gained on him, and had him well in 
view, in fact was within ten feet of him. With 
her old waterproof drawn around her, and the 
old hood concealing her face, there was no 
danger of being recognized. The excitement 
rising higher and higher in her bosom, her 
heart beating audibly, OTeat pearly drops rolling 
down from her forehead, with nostrils distended, 
she presented more the appearance of a long- 
raced and fatigued hound in pursuit of his prey 
than a human being. 

He stopped and shook hands with a gentle- 
man, which gave her time to pass by him. It 
was only a moment, and he passed her with 
rapid strides. They were then within a half 
block of the corner where, if his objective point 
was the house of Mrs. K , he would turn. 

‘ ‘ Oh, my God, will he turn ? ” she mentally 
asked herself. ‘‘I hope not.” The thought 
had just entered her head when he whisked 
around the corner. ‘ ‘ Too true, ” she exclaimed 
audibly. The cord which had only been held 
together for the last few minutes by excitement 
was broken. She screamed aloud, “Oh, good 
Hord, save me ! ” and reeled and fell in a swoon. 

Kind hands immediately raised her, among . 
whom was a strong policeman, who gently bore 
her in his arms, another volunteer resting her 
head upon his arm. They started for a drug 
store; fortunately there was one only three 
doors away, kept by a regular physician. They 
•quickly entered, and the policeman said, “ Doc- 
tor, a lady fainted on the walk.” 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


17 


“Bring her in here,” he answered, as he 
started toward his office. “Place her on the 
sofa.” 

In a moment her hood and watei-proof were 
off, which disclosed the fact that she was no or- 
dinary woman. The doctor was quickly in the 
office with restoratives. His two clerks having 
made their appearance on the scene, the doctor 
gave each a bottle, one to bathe her forehead 
and temples, the other to hold to her nostrils, 
while he was closely examining her pulse. 
There the three stood alone with this stranger. 

Fifteen minutes had passed when the doctor 
spoke. “There is life; the pulse is returning.” 
In five minutes more she slowly opened her 
eyes. Gazing for a moment into vacancy as 
if thinking, she turned her eyes toward the 
doctor and spoke in a very weak voice: ‘ ‘ Who 
are you ? Where am I ? ” 

The doctor answered : ‘ ‘ Keep quiet, my lady. 
You are with friends.” 

She closed her eyes again, and for a few mo- 
ments seemed sleeping. The pulse was grow- 
ing stronger rapidly. She had been perfectly 
quiet for twenty minutes, breathed naturally, 
and had really slept. She opened her eyes 
again and seemed anxious to talk, asking many 
questions. ‘ ‘ Where am I ? What brought me 
here ? Who am I with ? Can I go home now ? 
I feel better and would like to go home,” all 
of which the doctor kindly answered, explain- 
ing how she came to be there, and all he knew 
about it. 


18 PLEASURE PROMOTER. 

Yes, I understand it all now. I had a faint- 
ing spell; I was very fortunate in being brought 
in here.” 

Please pardon me if I ask your name 'and 
residence.” 

“I am the wife of Mr. George Dalton, of 
the firm of Dalton, Granger & Co., bankers. 
My home is at No. — Fifth avenue.” 

'‘This makes me doubly interested in your 
case. 1 am personally acquainted with Mr. 
Dalton and all the members of the firm, having 
done business with them for some time.” 

“I am glad to know this; it assures me of 
friendship. ” 

‘ ‘ All that can be done for you, Mrs. Dalton, 
we will cheerfully do.” 

“ Thank you. I am feeling better; I think 
I will start for home. ” 

“ But you must not think of walking or go- 
ing alone. I Avill call a carriage.” 

‘ ‘ Perhaps it would be advisable. I am not 
very strong yet.” She was sitting up. The 
doctor stepped out to tell a clerk to order a 
carriage, and told him to pay the charge. He 
stepped back into the office and found Mrs. 
Dalton with her old hood and cloak in her lap. 
Looking up with a smile she remarked, “My 
outside garments are not exactly in keeping 
with what would be expected a banker’s wife 
to wear, but I took a notion to throw them on 
to-night. ” 

“0, that’s all right,” replied the doctor. 

“The carriage was at the door, and the 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


W 

doctor was helping on her cloak. “Now 
doctor, I want you to send in your bill, and 
make sure to charge enough. It happens that 
I have but little money with me or I would 
pay it now.” 

“ This is all right, Mrs. Dalton, don’t think 
of it for a moment.” They started for the 
carriage. She asked the doctor for his card, 
which was handed her, and he helped her in, 
and ordered the clerk to go with her. They 
shook hands, bade each other ffood bye and 
started. 

A few minutes brought them to her door. 
The clerk helped her to the walk, when she 
drew her purse and ofiered the driver pay. He 
remarked, “Your fare is paid, madam.” The 
clerk told the driver he need not wait longer. 
He assisted her up the high stone steps, a word 
of parting and good night, and he departed. 
Mrs. Dalton entered with her night key, 
glanced around her room, which had a hallowed 
look, as she had left the light well turned 
down. Apparently everything was just as she 
had left it. She prepared to retire, but before 
retiring she made sure that all her restoratives 
and resuscitating bottles were closely at hand. 

She retired, but not to sleep. The events 
of the past two hours had made such an im- 
pression on her mind she could not sleep. 
Thoughts of this kind ran through her head. 
“My first eflbrt is a failure, but I shall try 
again, as soon as my strength will allow, if I 
die in the attempt.” 


20 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


These thoughts pressing so strongly upon 
her already fevered brain seemed to cause a 
relapse. She felt faint, she became alarmed, 
and reached the bell and rang, which imme- 
•diate brought the nurse. “Hand me that blue 
bottle.” She held it to her nostrils without 
assistance for a few minutes, when she revived. 
^‘Mrs. Dalton, you are sick; shall I call Sam 
mid have him go for the doctor? ” 

“Wait awhSe, perhaps I will feel better. 
How is baby? ” 

“All right, sleeping sweetly.” 

“Thank God!” She told the nurse to be 
seated and she would try and get a little sleep. 
She complied with her request, only at inter- 
vals gliding noiselessly into the nursery to see 
if baby was all right, then back again to her 
seat. Mrs. Dalton had fell into a nervous 
doze, whispering inaudibly. At times speak- 
ing aloud in broken sentences, saying, “Yes, 
he went there, I lost, I shall go,” etc. Of 
course the nurse could gather nothing from 
those broken sentences. One o’clock arrived 
and Mr. Dalton came in. “Is anybody sick?” 

“Mrs. Dalton is not feeling well,” said the 
nurse. 

Mrs. Dalton was lying with her eyes closed, 
he leaned over her and said, “Helen!” No 
answer. “Helen!” she slowly opened her 
eyes. “Helen, what is the matter? ” 

She screamed aloud, “ Go away,” and was 
unconscious. 

Mr. Dalton was frightened almost out of his 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


21 


mind. He called Sam, told him to go quickly 
for Dr. Clayton, their family physician. 

Sam went like a reindeer, and in a few 
minutes the doctor was by the bedside of the* 
unconscious woman. 

He succeeded in putting something in her 
mouth and she swallowed. 

He watched her pulse attentively. He asked 
several questions to gather, if possible, some in- 
formation with regard to the cause of her ill- 
ness. No one could tell anything about it. 
The nurse simply saying, “1 was called by 
Mrs. Dalton about 11 o’clock. On entering 
her room she asked me to hand her the blue 
bottle on the stand; she used it herself by hold- 
ing it to her nose, after which she seemed to 
fall in a nervous doze, talking in a whisper. ” 

She laid in a stupor until six o’clock in the 
morning, during which time the doctor re- 
mained by the bedside. Mr. Dalton was all 
attention, remaining with the doctor all night. 
Sam was called once to go to the drug store 
with a prescription. He talked to himself all 
the way there and back. “ I doan understan’ 
dis yer buzness; quer night, habent slep a 
minute. Missus tell me to be ready .with my 
new close; I seen her start out de side gate 
quicker’n a cat arter Mr. Dalton lef’ de 
house. She was ‘ gized ’ too wid a old cloak 
and hood, but I nod ’er,, I kep’ awake and hern, 
’er come back ’bout ten ’clock. O, golly! I 
dunno; I guess dar’s woolen burning sumwhar,, 
I bleve I smell ’em.” 


^2 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


Mrs. Dalton had rested for the last hour and 
slept. There was a perceptible change in her 
pulse, it being much stronger. She opened 
her eyes, but seemed not to recognize any one. 
The doctor gave her medicine and she closed 
her eyes again. He watched her until half 
past six when she was resting quietly and he 
arose to go home, saying, I wdll be back in 
half an hour.” 

On his return, she was still resting quietly. 

We will not weary the reader with a detailed 
account of the sick room for the following six 
weeks. Suffice it to say, Mrs. Dalton had a 
very severe attack of brain fever. At times 
her life was despaired of, hanging, as it were, 
trembling in the balance between life and 
death. She is now convalescent and gaining 
strength rapidly. 


CHAPTEK III. 


MRS. DALTON regains HER HEALTH AND MAR- 
SHALS HER FORCES FOR A SECOND ATTACK, 
BUT WITH MORE DISCRETION. 

T he reader may ask, why did Mrs. Dalton 
take it upon herself to shadow Mr. Dalton 
after having arranged with Sam to do it? It 
will be remembered that she only engaged Sam 
to watch the house. She wished to conceal 
from him her aim and object in case her sus- 
picions were unfounded. She wished to know 
herself when he entered that house, Sam’s 
mission was only to report the hour he came 
out. 

Three weeks have passed and Mrs. Dalton 
is around again. Nobody seems more pleased 
than Sam. The poor innocent and affectionate 
fellow’s heart had been almost broken It was 
thought, had she died, Sam would have fol- 
lowed soon. He wouldn’t eat, they couldn’t 
make him eat, he was as poor as a crow. 
He is now as lively as a cricket and eats all he 
can reach. Mrs. Dalton had called Sam for 
some errand. While in the room he asked, 
“Missus, when is I gwan to put on dat nice 
coat an hat, and watch dat house? Dat’s allers 
ben in mine cber senee dat night. I bet I 
know who Idl see ef I duz go.” 

“Who, Sam?” 


24 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


“ I’ll tell yo’ when I git back. Now, Missus, 
doan say no mo’ an’ I won’t . ” 

“Well, Sam, you will have'an opportunity 
before long to go; in the meantime don’t lisp 
a word to any living being about the matter.” 

“Missus, you needn’t be afeared of dat. I 
neber lisp it to a livin’ bein’, ner a g’ost eder, 
no neber; hope I die ef I duz.” 

Mr. Dalton had been all attention during 
Mrs. Dalton’s illness, but latterly has been in- 
clined to resume his old habits. Mrs. Dalton 
is just as strong in her determination to carry 
out her resolution as ever. She has gained 
strength very rapidly for the last few weeks, 
and is now quite as well as usual. She is now 
waiting, and expecting daily, that he will make 
his usual excuse to be out late, when she will 
resume hostilities. Her first effort is a pro- 
found secret as yet, unless that cunning Sam, 
who is as shrewd as shrewd can be, has sur- 
mised all. Mrs. Dalton is inclined to believe 
that he really guesses out the whole thing. 

Mrs. Dalton, like a defeated general in battle, 
has thoroughly looked the ground over on 
which she lost her first battle. She finds mis- 
takes, and defects, among which were over 
anxiety, and too much excitement. She has 
now schooled and fortified herself against all 
those mistakes. The reader may now antici- 
pate an exciting re-opening of hostilities very 
soon. Mrs. Dalton has now rebuckled on her 
armor and says “she is prepared to face all 
obstacles, and that too without fainting. ”v Her 


PLEASUKE PKOMOTER. 


25 


theory for success in the next campaign is, 
coolness, clear-headedness, no excitement, but 
undaunted determination. How well this little 
frail, resolute, and angelic creature carried out 
her resolution the sequel will tell. She was 
not long in suspense. 

At six o’clock, the usual dinner hour, Mr. 
Dalton made his appearance. He had long 
since dropped the habit of giving her a caress 
on meeting. “How is baby? ” without going 
to the nursery. 

Mrs. Dalton answered, “ She is all right, go 
in and see her. ” 

As dinner was announced, he replied (look- 
ing at his watch), “ I have no time now,” and 
entered the dining room. After partaking of 
a hearty meal he tQok his usual position on the 
sofa, busying himself with the daily papers. 

It was half past seven o’clock when he arose, 
looked at his watch and remarked, “Helen, I 
am sorry, but I am obliged to be out quite late 
again to-night. The club has some pressing 
business wmich requires my presence. I am 
getting quite tired of dancing attendance to all 
the special meetings. I think I will resign my 
position, and give it to some one whose home 
duties are not so pressing,” and with his usual 
injunction, “Don’t worry nor sit up for me,” 
he started out. 

Tliis was the bugle call to arms, and quickly 
did she respond. It was but a moment, and 
the same old cloak and hood were donned, and 
she darted out. He was in plain view, walk- 

3 


26 


TLEASURE PROMOTER. 


ing very slowly. It was fortunate for her, as 
it gave her time to collect her thoughts, and 
subject them to the discipline she had resolved 
upon. With quickness of thought, she mar- 
shalled her forces, and gave the word of com- 
mand. “Now, coolness, clear-headedness, no 
excitement, but undaunted determination.”^ 
Such were the thoughts which ran through 
her head. How well she succeeded in putting 
them in execution, the reader will soon know. 
Mr. Dalton was still walking leisurely, which 
made it easy to shadow him. They had now 
entered Broadway, and would soon reach the 
eventful corner. Now it is in sight, nearer 
and nearer, he turns, she simply draws a long 
breath, and mentally ejaculates, “Thank God, 
the matter will soon be settled.” With the 
coolness of an old veteran * she proceeded on. 
They reached the house nearly at the same 
time. He rapidly climbed the steps and rang 
the bell. She looked squarely toward hini^ 
she assumed the appearance of an old woman,, 
bending forward and walking with a tottering 
step, to make it doubly sure he would not 
recognize her in case he looked around. 

The bell was answered, and he entered, 
after which she immediately retraced her steps; 
reaching home in great haste, she almost ran 
for the bell and called Sam. In a moment he 
was at her side. 

“ Sam, hasten and put on your disguise, and 

go to 124 L street and watch that house in 

accordance with instructions I have already 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


27 


given you; go quickly and don’t fail in any 
particular. ” 

“All right, missus, an’ ef I doan tree de 
coon yo’ can make up yo’ mine dat Sam wusn’t 
bo’ll in ole Kaintuck.” 

‘ ‘ All right, report to me in the morning. ” 

“It was nearly two o’clock when Mr. Dalton 
entered the house. He entered seemingly as 
noiselessly as possible. On preparing to retire 
he noticed Helen was awake, and spoke, 
“Helen are you yet awake? I hope you 
haven’t lain awake on account of my absence.” 

“ O no, George, I prefer lying awake busy- 
ing myself with my own thoughts, as I have no 
husband to keep me company.” To this, the 
first rebuke she ever gave him, he made no 
reply. 

Morning came, and so did Sam, after break- 
fast, and after Mr. Dalton had left. “Well 
Sam, what is your report.” 

“O, golly! Missus, 1 dunno wat to say 
fust,” and hesitated. 

“Go on and tell me all about it.” 

“ I watch dat house like I was a cat arter a 
mous. I staid thar walkin, backwud an fo’wud 
till de clock strike twelve, an’ somebody come 
out dat house; dar wuz two uv ’em, a man an 
woman.” Here he hesitated again. 

“Go on, Sam, and tell me who you saw 
come out of that house.” 

“ I dunno but one, de oder was a woman an 
dey go out on de street togeder.” 

“ Did you know the man ?” 


28 


PLEASUKE PKOMOTEE. 


“ Yas, Missus, I duz.” 

‘‘ who was it?” 

“ Jeminy, crimany, crickets, doan yo’ know?” 

“No, I don’t, and I want you to tell me 
at once.” 

“I t’ot yo’ node. I did ’befo’ I went dar. 
Ef yo’ doan know I’ll tole yo’; de man wuz 
Mistali Dalton; I dun’no nuffin ’bout de 
woman.” 

“ Where did they go.” 

“ I dun’no, dey lock arms an’ start off.” 

“For refreshments, I presume,” answered 
Mrs. Dalton. 

“Spect doy wuz hungry, mout ben workin 
hard, yah, yah, yah !” 

“ O what a boy ! Well, Sam, we will cease 
hostilities for the present.” 

“ Seze whose bosses?” 

“You don’t understand, or it’s another of 
your jokes. I mean we will drop this business 
for the present.” 

“ O, yas. Missus, I node all de wile wat yo’ 
mean, I on’y mean a little fun.” 

“Sam, now remember, you must not men- 
tion to an} one what has happened.” 

“Not a woad, Missus, not a woad, fo’h de 
Lo’d’s sake, no !” 


CHAPTEK IV. 


GREAT CHANGES AT THE DALTON MANSION. 

MRS. DALTON CARRIES A STEADY HEAD AND 
COOL BRAIN. — SHE ACTS AVITH GREAT DIS- 
CRETION. 

M atters are now fast going from bad to 
Avorse at the Dalton mansion. Mr. Dalton 
is out eA^ery night until late. Noav to cap the 
climax he comes, or is rather helped home in a 
A’ery beastly condition. He is drunk. This- 
is the first time she ever saAv him intoxicated.. 
She had seen him take a little wine at parties, 
but never knew he drank to excess. He stag- 
ofered into the room and Avithout uttering a 
word he laid, or fell is nearer it, upon the' 
sofa, and soon passed into a drunken stupor. 
Mrs. Dalton had nerved herself for anything 
and everything, therefore Avas not very much 
surprised at this change of programme. 

Mr. Dalton arose quite early and ‘‘sneaked’’* 
out of the house, not appearing at breakfast,. 
eAudently ashamed of his conduct. 

At the usual dinner hour he made his ap- 
pearance. He evidently made an efibrt to^ 
appear cheerful, even inquiring after “ baby,” 
Avhich Avas unusual, and really stepped into the- 
nursery. He caressed and kissed “Little 
Helen” right heartily. We have thus far 


30 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


neglected to give “Baby’s” real nanje, the 
whole family having always called her Bab}^, 
excepting w^e might say the nurse, who occa- 
sionally called her “Little Helen.” She was 
a beautiful, and very interesting child, now 
nearly two years of age. She had every 
feature of her mother, which was really in her 
favor. 

Mr. Dalton remained in the house after 
dinner, much longer than usual, but finally 
oxcused himself by saying, ‘ ‘ I will walk out 
for a few moments for a little fresh air.” For 
a wonder he returned in about half an hour. 
He first looked over his papers, after which he 
led ofi* with an evidently forced conversation, 
neither of them even alluding to the previous 
night’s episode. 

For a few days his conduct seemed changed, 
but it was not lasting. Again in a few nights 
there was a repetition of the drunken scene. 
This seemed to increase, until it became a 
oommon occurrence for him to come home in 
a beastly condition. Circumstances and trans- 
actions at the Dalton mansion were fast assum- 
ing an alarming condition. 

He grew cross, and ugly, at times even 
threatening chastisement for some fancied 
neglect of hers, never for any reply she 
might make. She had made it a studied 
practice during her married life to never have 
nny controversy in the family. She perfectly 
abhorred anything bordering on quarreling. 
He grew bolder and bolder, and actually made 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 31 

liis appearance at dinner under the influence 
of liquor. 

Mrs. Dalton had called Sam for some pur- 
pose, and he was at her side when Mr. Dalton 
entered the room. ‘ ‘ What are you doing here, 
you black devil? ” 

“Oh, George don’t speak that way to Sam; 
1 called him in.” 

“You take his part then, do you? Then take 
that! ” as he slapped her in the face, and 
turned to Sam, “Now get out you infernal 
cuss! ” doubling his fists and advancing in a 
threatening way. 

Sam thought it about time to defend him- 
self. He was as powerful as a horse. He 
struck his adversary square between the e^^es, 
wdiich laid him sprawling on the floor. Mrs. 
Dalton was frightened almost out of her senses. 
“Sam, perhaps you have killed him.” 

“No, dangah ob dat, but ef I has, you ken 
swar it war in se’f ’fense, but no dangah; see, 
he is squirmin’ now.” 

Mr. Dalton slowly raised himself on his feet; 
he was bleeding profusely. “ Hello, ole fellah, 
duz yo’ want any mo’ ob dis yer sass? Ef yo’ 
duz, dar’s plenty Icf ’ ! ” 

Mr. Dalton made no reply, but started for 
the washroom. 

“Now matters are culminating fast. This 
enables me to anive at a definite conclusion, 
and c.arry into execution my resolution of 
several month’s standing. Sam, you did just 
right, but keep cool.” 


32 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


After washing his face, Mr. Dalton sneaked 
off up stairs to his room and did not appear 
again until next morning. 

After dinner Mrs. Dalton called Sam to her 
room. “Sami want to say a word to you. 
I don’t know as Mr. Dalton would undertake 
to do you a bodily injury, but it is not safe to 
trust a man who now holds a grudge against 
you, and might seek revenge while under the 
intiuence of liquor.” 

“Dat’s so, Missus, dat’s so.” 

“It may be well to be ’ prepared. ” She 
stopped to a drawer and took out a revolver. 
“ Sam, take this; it’s loaded, and bear in mind^ 
if used at all, it must only be in self-defense. 
Now do you understand? ” 

“Yas, Missus, I duz.” Turning the re- 
volver over and over, he remarked, ‘ ‘ By 
jimeny ! dis a nice one, I guess she’s a barker.” 

‘ ‘ Put it in your pocket and remember what 
I have said.” 

“Oh, fo’h su’ali. Missus, fo’ah su’ah.” He 
fairly trembled with pleasure and excitement. ” 

“Now go and call nurse and return.” In a 
moment he was again in the room, followed by 
nurse. 

“Mary and Sam, I have something to tell 
you. I leave this house to-morrow, to remain 
away; shall never sleep another night under 
this roof. I am going to my father’s house 
to stay; will you both go with me to live 
there? ” Mrs. Dalton did not wait long for 
an answer, they almost vied with each other to 


PLEASUEE PKOMOTER. 


33 


see which would answer ‘\yes” first. Mary 
was only too glad to go back to her old home, 
especially so now as Mrs. Dalton and little 
Helen were to be with her. It was her old 
home, she having been brought up there from 
childhood, Helen’s parents reluctantly parting 
with her only to accommodate their dear 
daughter. Sam could hardly contain himself,, 
he was so overjoyed. He would have at- 
tempted to swim across the Atlantic Ocean to 
please “Missus.” 

‘‘ Now you both understand; there’s no time 
to be lost. I want you both to pack your 
trunks, with everything you have in this house. 
It must be done at once. Sam, after packing 
your trunk, return here. Now you can go. 
Mary you do the same. Be sure you leave 
nothing out belonging to you, as youprobably 
never will return to this house. After pack- 
ing, return here to assist me. Bring baby 
with you.” 

Sam’s wardrobe was not very elaborate, and 
he returned in a few minutes. “Ise all ready, 
Missus. Ken go to de eand ob de ’arth now 
ef you say so.” 

Mrs. Dalton was busy packing a very large 
Saratoga trunk. Nurse had finished, and just 
returned with baby. 

“ Shall I bring in baby’s crib ? ” 

“Not at present; put her down and let her 
toddle.” 

“Now what shall I do?” 

“You and Sam bring the largest trunk from 


54 • PLEASURE PROMOTER. 

the side bed room.” They were all soon work- 
ing like beavers. Sam bringing in things from 
other rooms, and Mary packing with all her 
might, guided by Mrs. Dalton’s instructions. 
Baby seemed to enjoy the confusion, laughing 
and running from point to point. 

Ten o’clock came and everything was in 
readiness for a move. There were six of Mrs. 
Dalton’s trunks, two of Mary’s and Sam’s. 
Every article of Mrs. Dalton’s and baby’s ward- 
robe, except what they wanted to put on in 
the morning was packed. 

“Now you can both retire; make your 
appearance early in the morning. Good night. ” 
Up to the present time Mrs. Dalton had kept 
her family matters a profound secret. Never 
having revealed any of her troubles, even to 
her parents. They had visited her often, al- 
ways staying to dinner. Mr. Dalton invariably 
visited with them, both at his own house, and 
at theirs, when Mrs. Dalton visited them. He 
always appeared very pleasant and agreeable. 
Imagine their surprise on learning the true state 
-of anairs, which they did on the following day. 

Morning came and Mrs. Dalton arose early. 
Sam and Mary soon made their appearance. 
Mrs. Dalton gave her first order to Sam. 
“ I want you to go out and engage a carriage 
to be here at 1 o’clock, sharp; also a baggage 
wagon to be here at the same hour without 
fail.” 

‘T’se all ears. Missus, an’ undahstan’ eber 
woad.” Away he went. 


PLEASUKE PROMOTEE. 


35 


In the meantime Mrs. Dalton and nurse 
arranged the last few details preparatory for 
a move. Sam returned in a short time; he 
went to the back door, and there, to his sur- 
prise, stood Mr. Dalton gazing outside. Their 
eyes met; Mr. Dalton belched out with, “You 
d d black scoundrel. I’ll shoot you.” 

Before the words had fairly slipped from his 
lips, Sam whipped out his revolver, and held 
it straight at his face, saying, “Efyo’duz 
shoot, you wan’ ter duz it mity soople,” still 
holding his revolver square on him. It was a 
self-cocker and all he had to do was to pull the 
trigger, and there would have been an extra 
airhole in somebody sure. “ I’m perpahed fer 
yo’, w’y doan yo’ shoot? ” 

Mr. Dalton turned pale and went in the dining 
room and gave an order for his breakfast to be 
brought up to his room, and up stairs he went. 

Sam went in and told Mis. Dalton the car- 
riage and baggage wagon was engaged. He also 
added, “I jus’ met Mistah Dalton out at de 
back do’ah.” 

“ You did? What did he say.” 

“He sed he’d shoot me, but he didn’t shoot 
nuffin. I took my little ‘barker’ out so quick, 
I guess he war skeered. He went up stairs.” 

“How did he look?” 

“Oh, golly ! He look out of two de blackest 
eyes yo’ eber seed, all sweld en mose shut; I 
guess sum mule kickt ’im, yah, yah.” 

“Oh, Sam! Well, it’s all right; 3^011 will 
joke.” 


CHAPTER Y. 


WONDEKFUL SURPRISE AND GREAT EXCITE- 
MENT AT THE BANCROFT MANSION ON LEARN- 
ING THE TERRIBLE FACTS. — PLANS LAID FOR 
THE FUTURE WHICH DEVELOPS AND UN- 
EARTHS A STILL MORE HORRIBLE STATE OF 
AFFAIRS IN ONE SENSE, THAN ANYTHING 
BEFORE RELATED IN THIS NARRATIVE. 

B reakfast being pasC there was but little 
more to do to have everything in readiness 
for the move at the stated time. It was Saturday, 
a beautiful and sunny October morning, and 
to all external appearances of the Dalton man- 
sion, all was peace. 

Mrs. Dalton stepped into the kitchen where 
the two girls, ‘‘Biddy,” the cook, and Lizzie 
the waiting maid were. ‘ ‘ Girls, we are all 
about to leave you, perhaps never to return. 
I hope you will both remain as good girls as 
3'OU have been since you came with me. I 
have ever endeavored to treat you with kind- 
ness, and I can truthfully say, and with 
pleasure, that it has been reciprocated by you 
both, and I have always received the same in 
return.” 

At this juncture both girls were weeping. 
Biddy, as soon as she dried her tears was the 
r st to speak: “ Och, yis. Missus, I heerd 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


37 


yistherday noight that ye’s wuz goin’ to lave 
us, an it has narely broke me hairt. O’i have 
niver schlept at all, at all, in all the liv’ long 
noight, an’ have narely cried me eyes out uv 
me ni’d. Och, phat will O’i do whin ye’s lave 
fur iver ?” 

Mrs. Dalton drew out her purse, and took 
out two ten dollar gold pieces; handing each 
of the girls one, she remarked. “Please 
accept this small token of my friendship. Mr. 
Dalton will settle your wages. They each in 
turn clasped their arms around her neck, kissed 
her, and sobbed aloud. 

Mrs. Dalton looked at her watch, and said, 
“Well, girls, I must go.” She kissed them 
good bye, and left the kitchen just in time to 
see the carriage and baggage wagon drive up. 
They were fifteen minutes early, but every- 
thing was in readiness, and they commenced 
loading baggage. After all was loaded, they 
all started down the steps for the carriage. 
When inside Mrs. Dalton spoke, “Drive to 

No. Forty-second street; have the baggage 

follow.” 

“All right.” 

They were only a short time reaching their 
destination. Driving up in front of the house 
they found Mr. Bancroft sitting outside read- 
ing his morning paper. 

He peered over his glasses, ejaculating, 
“What, what, a carriage load of people, and a 
load of baggage — guess I’ve got company,” as 
he clambered down the steps to the walk. 


38 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


“Well, Pa, we’ve come to live with you.” 

“Why, Helen, is it you? Well, I’m glad.” 
He took little Helen first, kissed her and 
placed her on the walk. All out, they started 
up the steps, Sam staying to help with the 
baggage. Ma was at the door; she and Helen 
enibraced and they all entered the house. The 
baggage was placed in the hall. Mrs. Dalton 
made her appearance and paid the bill. 

They all gathered together in the spacious 
sitting room, and chatted until lunch time, 
after which they spent the afternoon in various 
ways, all seeming to enjoy themselves. Six 
o’clock dinner is announced. Helen seems to 
forget her troubles for the time being. That 
or the change, has given her quite an appetite. 
After dinner is dispatched, and another short 
chat, Helen speaks to Pa and Ma: “I want to 
see you both in private.” 

They repaired to the parents’ private room. 
All being seated, Helen sat with her head 
down just a moment to collect her thoughts. 
The first utterance was : “Pa and Ma, I nave 
a great surprise for you — now don’t get 
excited. There is nobody dead or dying. 1 
am obliged to state to you, I have left Mr. 
George Dalton for the balance of my life.” 

They both dropped their heads for a mo- 
ment. Mr. Bancroft rallying from the shock, 
said, “Helen, this is truly a surprise, and a 
shocking one, and we must have an explanation 
at once.” 

“Of course. Pa, you shall have it.” With- 


PLEASUEE PROMOTEK. 


3 ^^ 

out reiterating the whole circumstances in 
detail which the reader is already familiar 
with, suffice it to say, Mrs. Dalton commenced 
at the beginning of her troubles, giving a 
minute account of them all. 

Of course her father had much to say, and 
asked many questions during the time of her 
disclosures. Ma asked, “ Helen, why havn’t 
you told us of your troubles before ? why did 
you keep it to yourself so long, and suffer so 
much 

“Well, Ma, I will tell you the truth. I 
was ashamed to apprise you of my troubles.. 
You know I was proud of my home, and God 
knows I would still be, were the true state of 
my private matters in strict accordance with 
external appearances.” 

During this conversation, Mr. Bancroft sat 
with his head down, apparently oblivious of 
what was being said. He arose suddenly, 
commenced walking the floor, and with clenched 
hands he exclaimed, “ Scoundrel, black hearted 
scoundrel, I will show him, the villain, the two^ 
faced hypocrite, how to treat my dear and 
only daughter in this manner!” 

He sank back in his chair completely ex- 
hausted by excitement. It was ten o’clock 
when this interview closed. The servants and 
all must be looked after preparatory for 
retiring, and they adjourned until morning. 
The Bancrofts and Daltons arose quite early,, 
all meeting in the sitting room, where they 
found Sam reading the morning paper. 


40 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


“ Good morning, Sam.” 

Good morning, Mistah Bancroft.” 

“What’s the news this morning, Sam ?” 

“Not wery much ez I ken see.” 

“ Do you like to read the papers ?” 

“ O, yes, wery well.” 

“ Yes, Sam is quite a good reader. I have 
taken very great pains in teaching him. I will 
have him read aloud for you sometime.” 

At this juncture the conversation took a 
turn. Mrs. Dalton had gone over the ground 
pretty thoroughly the night previous, leaving 
out nothing of importance except the knock- 
ing down episode and the revolver scene. She 
had purposely refrained from mentioning these. 

Mr. Bancroft drew his chair up by the side 
of Helen, and spoke in a low tone, “I suppose 
Sam knows all; would it be wrong to talk in 
his presence? ” 

Helen answered aloud so that Sam heard 
her, saying: “No, not at all, you can talk 
anything and eveiything pertaining to this 
subject m the presence of Sam, as you would 
with me alone. He knows all anyway, besides 
if he should hear anything which ought not to 
be mentioned he knows it as well as I do.” 

“ I thought so, yet I thought it well to men- 
tion it.” 

Sam had heard his name mentioned which 
attracted his attention. He was listening, al- 
though his eyes were on his paper. “ Sam, how 
do you like ]\Ir. Dalton? ” 

“ ’Bout as well as he do me, I guess.” 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 41 

‘‘ Helen has told us very astonishing news. 
She has told us all, and says you know all, 
therefore I shall take you in my eonfidence and 
ask you questions, and talk with you on this 
matter the same as I shall with Helen.” 

* “All right, mistah Bancroft; I allers try to 
do right an tell de trufe allers. I want to ax 
yo’ ef Missus tole yo’ ’bout de mule kicken 
Mistah Dalton? ” 

“Why, no, Sam. What does that' mean?” 

Sam looked frightened; he feared he had 
said something he ought not to have mentioned. 
He turned his eyes towards Helen; she smiled 
an approval which brightened him up. All 
this excited the curiosity of Mr. Bancroft, and 
he asked, “ Sam, what about the mule? I 
would like to hear the particulars. ” 

“I wo’d rudder had Missus tole yo’, ef she 
will.” 

Of course it now devolved upon Helen to 
explain the mystery. “ Well, Pa, perhaps I 
ought to have told you the whole thing last 
evening, but to tell the truth I feared your 
disapproval of the transaction, and now fear 
you may blame Sam, but I hope not. I think 
he did just what was right; in fact he was 
forced to do what he did, therefore justifiable. 
Here is the part I kept from you. As I told 
you, George was under the influence of liquor 
and acted more like a crazy man than other- 
wise. After slapping me in the face as I told 
you he turned to Sam who was standing by my 
side, and ordered him out of the room with an 

4 


42 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


oath, stepping toward him in an attitude for 
striking. Sam was too quick for him and 
knocked him down on the floor. Now, Pa, 
you have the mule part of it.” 

“ Good! ” exclaimed Mr. Bancroft. As he ^ 
stepped up to Sam, patting him on the shoulder 
approvingly, he said, “ Good boy, good boy, 
you did just right; now I like you better than 
ever. Did you give him a good one Sam? Why 
didn’t you give him more? ” 

Sam answered, ‘‘I guess he got ’nuflf — dat 
mule kick ha’d. He didn’t ax fo’h mo’ dat 
night, but I ofie’d him mo’ nex’ mo’nin, but he 
didn’t want it.” Sam grinned and shook with 
perfect delight while relating this, as he now 
knew that Mr. Bancroft approved of his con- 
duct. 

“Sam, you speak of oflfering him more next 
morning, what about that? Come, I want to 
hear all now, since we have got at it.” 

Sam turned his eyes toward Mrs. Dalton and 
said, ‘ ‘ I would rudder hav Missus tole you dat. ” 

“ Very well, Sam, I will try and assist you.” 

“ Well, Pa, you must know all.” 

She then related the whole revolver episode 
in detail, even to his retiring to his room up 
stairs where they left him. Mrs. Bancroft had 
been almost a silent listener during this inter- 
view, only occasionally asking a question. Al- 
though her heart was almost broken with grief, 
she could not refrain from smiling at times 
while Sam was talking in his peculiar manner, 
and in his odd way, and broken language. 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


43 


‘‘Well, Helen,” said Mr. Bancroft, “this 
is a sad and lamentable case. It requires de- 
liberation, yes, mature deliberation. I haven’t 
slept a minute during the night; have tried to 
decide in my mind what mode of procedure to 
act upon. I shall not act hastily in this matter 
on account of its importance and magnitude. 

I shall take a day or two to decide. Helen, 
this I will say, rest assured that whatever con- 
clusion I arnve at, something wiU be done to 
avenge your wrongs. George Dalton shall 
suffer for his outrageous conduct. I shall not 
suffer him to go unpunished. J ust what course 
will be taken I have not as 3"et definitely de- 
cided upon. Why, Helen, let me tell you; last 
night after retiring, thoughts of this kind ran 
through my head: I will shoot the dastardly 
black hearted scoundrel. Of course I soon ^ 
banished those thoughts from my mind. But " 
Oh, God, just think of the outrage?” He arose, 
paced the room rapidly; with uplifted arms he 
almost shouted, ‘* The miserable wretch, he is 
not onl}^ guilty of Holating his marriage vows, 
before God and man, to love, cherish, and pro- 
tect her to whom he is now under a solemn 
obligation, but he is guilty of the worst crime 
known before God, adultery, and yet still, to 
add injury to insult, he has used pei*sonal vio- 
lence. It’s too much for human nature to bear, 
and George Dalton shall yet meet a just retri- 
bution, so help me God! ” 

He again sank back into his chair completely 
overcome with emotion. 


44 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


“ Be calm, Pa, be calm; God and justice are 
on our side: they will always prevail.” 

Mr. Bancroft somewhat recovered from hi& 
excitement, and commenced a’ little conversa- 
tion with Sam by asking, ‘‘Sam, how did 
George look next morning after he encountered 
the mule.” Helen had overlooked speaking of 
his appearance next morning. “Well, Sir. 
Bancroft, yo’ ax me how he looked; I’ll tole 
yo’. He looked out ob two ob de blackes’ 
eyes yo’ eber seed.” 

“ Were they swollen much?” 

“Enymost clus’ shet.” 

The day was passed in consultation and 
talking over plans for the future. They 
retired quite early, all being weary with ex- 
citement and excessive talking. Morning came, 
and they all meet again in the sitting room. 
After breakfast they retire again by themselves. 
The three, Helen and her parents, are the only 
persons present. They drew up closely to- 
gether, and Mr. Bancroft opened the conversa- 
tion by saying, “Well, Helen, I have partially 
decided on our mode of procedure. I have 
studied this matter again nearly all night.” 
Here he hesitated for a moment. 

“ Well, Pa, I am all attention.” 

“ So am I,” ejaculated Ma. 

“ Well, my plan is this: At present, and in 
case I don’t change my mind by Friday morn- 
ing, I shall be in favor of proceeding in acord- 
ance with my present resolution, which is this: 
The first step is to remove all of your furniture 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


45 


from the Dalton mansion. You know it all be- 
longs to you and is in your name in black and 
white. By the way, have you kept that bill 
of sale of the furniture that I gave you?” 

“ Oh, yes, Pa, I have it securely locked in 
one of my trunks.” 

‘‘That’s all right; he might undertake to 
hold the furniture, but he can’t succeed. I put 
something over six thousand dollars in that 
furniture without counting your piano, which 
was always yours before you married that rotten- 
hearted wretch, and I don’t propose to leave 
one single article in that house belonging to 
you.” 

Here was quite an interval, Mr. Bancroft 
resting for a few moments. ‘ ‘ Pa, is this all? ” 

“Oh, no, Helen, simply the first step, the 
preliminary step toward bringing the rascal to a 
just retribution. Kemove the furniture here, 
under your father’s roof and in your old, and 
still your home, where you were born and 
raised, God bless you.” He here twined his 
nrms around her neck and completely broke 
down, and wept like a child without closing 
his .sentence. This brought tears from both 
Helen and Ma, but like all aflecting scenes, 
there was an end. Mr. Bancroft, regaining 
eomposure, resumed his proposition. “ Helen, 
the next step to be taken after removing the 
furniture, will be an important one; how it may 
strike you I can’t tell. I am determined, with 
your consent, of course, to sue the miscreant 
for a bill of divorce.” 


46 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


“ This proved to be the climax declaration. 
It was so sudden; like the bursting of a cloud, 
first causing a shock,' after which, the sun again 
comes out in all its eflulgence and glory, and 
causes gladness to the weeping heart. Helen 
could not, nor did she try to conceal her de- 
light on hearing Pa’s determination. She 
clapped her hands and exclaimed, “Oh, Pa, 
you have vibrated the very chord which has 
been strung in my heart for a long time. I am 
only too anxious to do what you propose. ” 

Ma Bancroft has her say. “lam glad to see 
matters progressing so finely; it meets with my 
hearty approbation.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


THE. MOVE. A FOKMIDABLE FORCE EMPLOYED. 
FEAR OF OPPOSITION. ALL PASSES OFF QUIET- 
LY. EVERYTHING SERENE. 

Friday morning came. The whole aflair had 
been thoroughly rediscussed and decided upon. 
It was decided that Pa’s programme should be 
carried out to the letter. 

Mr. Bancroft gave the orders. ‘‘Now for 
the preparation, it must all be done to-day.” 
He sat down and wn-ote an order addressed to 
a furniture mover: “Please inform the bearer 
whether you can be at Forty-second St. , to- 

morrow morning at 8 o’clock sharp, with three 
of your largest covered furniture wagons, care- 
fully manned, also the necessary apparatus for 
moving piano. 

“Sam, please deliver this message and re- 
port. Wait for an answer. Can you read the 
direction? ” 

“Yes, sail.” 

In a short time Sam was back with a favor- 
able report. 

“All right. Now Sam go out and engage a 
carriage to be here precisely at 8 o’clock to- 
morrow morning. ” This order was carried out. 

“ Now go out and call a cab at once.” Mr. 
Bancroft was ready when the cab drove up. 


48 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


He gave his order, jumped aboard and started 
down town for his place of business. Arriv- 
ing, he told the driver to wait for him. He 
went to two of his best packers and said, “I 
want you two men at my house to-morrow 
morning at 8 o’clock sharp. Come with one 
of our two-horse drays and six large packing 
baskets. Do you understand all? ” 

‘‘Yes, sir.” 

“All right.” Out he went without noticing 
anybody else in the store, and ofl* he went for 
home. Everything was now arranged and 
provided for. 

The balance of the day was spent in discuss- 
ing preliminaries in detail; nothing of great 
importance was done. Mrs. Bancroft has had 
almost entire charge of little Helen during the 
w^eek. She seems to love her “ Gam’ah Ban’ ” 
as she calls her. She is a lovely child, not a 
Dalton feature about her. She is all Bancroft, 
looking just like her mother, which makes 
her stfll more lovable. Mary, the nurse has 
been greatly relieved during the week and 
seems to enjoy her old home with her new 
acquaintances, the cook and waiting maid. 

Saturday morning comes. All are up, have 
had breakfast, and are now waiting for the 
‘ ‘ caravan ” to arrive. The first to make their 
appearance are Mr. Bancroft’s two men from 
the store, with dray and baskets. Now comes 
three large covered furniture wagons with two 
men in each, followed by the piano wagon 
which also has two men. They are in waiting 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


49 


but a moment when the carriage drives up. 
Mr. Bancroft and Helen step down to the 
walk, followed by Sam, the indispensable. 

“ Quite an army, we’re going to take Fifth 
Avenue by storm. I want you all to follow 
me.” Mr. Bancroft, Helen and Sam took the 
oarriage. He gave the driver his orders, when 
he turned around heading the procession, and 
off they go. Arriving at the Dalton mansion, 
all that could, drove m the lane, the balance 
remaining outside. Mr. Bancroft and Helen 
went around to the back door. They found 
both girls, Biddy and Lizzie, there. Saluta- 
tions passed. Mr. Bancroft asked, “Is Mr. 
Dalton in? ” 

“No, sor, he jist wint out, gone to the bank, 
I spose. This is the first he has wint out in all 
the wake.” 

Mr. Bancroft turned to Helen and said, 
‘ ‘ This is fortunate, his absence may save us 
some annoyance. Now for the loading. Oh, 
Helen, did you think to bring your bill of sale 
with you? ” 

“ Oh, yes. Pa, I took that precaution. I 
thought perhaps it might be needed.” 

“ Of course we want it, you know it has a 
list of the goods attached to it.” 

“ That’s sO, it’s fortunate I brought it.” 

“We must be very careful and not take a 
thing that don’t belong to 3^ou.” 

“ That’s so. Pa, I’ll be careful.” 

“Now I will call in the men.” 

The piano men go at their work, the movers 


50 


PLEASUKE PROMOTEK. 


at theirs, the packers are with Mrs. Dalton 
busy with dishes, glassware, china, silver, etc. 
Mr. Bancroft watches everything. Helen is 
here, there and everywhere, to see that noth- 
ing is taken which does not belong to her. Mr. 
Bancroft marks each article on the schedule as 
it is put aboard. The utmost care is taken in 
loading. No ‘‘hurly burly.” Everything is 
clock work. In handling five hundred dollar 
mirrors it must be done with care. The men 
are equal to their task; they understand their 
business. Sam is all eyes, and seems to see 
everything and does lots of good. It is now 
12 o’clock, and they are nearly loaded. They 
find they can take it all at one trip, and will 
not be obliged to come* back. It is astonishing^ 
to see the quantity of goods they stow away in 
one of those large wagons. Many a well-to-do 
family will move with only one load in one of 
those monster “ Jumbo ” furniture wagons. It 
is also astonishing how one private house, with 
only a small family could contain goods enough 
to fill three of those mammoth wagons, besides- 
a large dray, saying nothing about the piano. 
At last all is loaded without a mishap. The 
train starts for the Bancroft mansion. The 
carriage is on hand for Helen, her father and 
Sam. They all arrive safely. The goods are 
carefully deposited, a portion in the house, the 
balance in the stable, which is very spacious- 
and now unoccupied, Mr. Bancroft having 
disposed of his horses. 


CHAPTER YII. 


NEW OPEKATIONS. — NEW DEVELOPMENTS. — NEW 
CHAKACTEKS. — ALL PICTUPED IN LIFE-LIKE 
COLOKS, MAKING ONE OF THE MOST INTER- 
ESTING CHAPTERS IN THE BOOK. 

We kindly ask the reader to bear with us for 
a few moments while we step over to the Hat- 
ton mansion. 

Mr. Dalton came home at 6 o’clock, entered 
the hall and halted. “ Hello, carpet up; clean- 
ing house I guess.” He entered the reception 
room and was confirmed in his conjecture. 
“ Yes, cleaning house sure; Helen has returned, 
and I am glad.” 

He followed from room to room and seeing 
no furniture of any kind or description, he 
stopped suddenly and mentally exclaimed, “ I 
wonder what she has done with all the furni- 
ture.” 

He stepped through the dining room and 
entered the kitchen, where both girls, Biddy 
and Lizzie, were. ‘‘ Grirls, where’s the folks? ” 
don’t no, sor,” answered Biddy. 

“ Cleaning house, I see.” 

“ Yis, sor, it’s purty well claned out.” 

“ But where are the cleaners? ” 

‘‘Divil a bit do I no. They all lift jist 
afther noon. ” 


52 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


“Who left?” 

“Why the movers, or claners as ye’s calls 
thim.” 

“ Have you seen Mrs. Dalton?” 

“ Yis, sor, she was here wid the claners. ” 

“ Where is she now? ” 

“ I di’en no. ” 

‘ ‘ Biddy, I want an explanation if you will 
give it. ” 

“ Well, she wint away wid the claners, out 
of the house. ” 

“I think I understand now. There has been 
somebody here with Mrs. Dalton and removed 
all my furniture. ” 

“ Ye’s nadent guess again, Mr. Dalthon.” 

“ I will investigate tliis matter and make 
somebody suffer. ” 

We will now leave Mr. Dalton in his “mud- 
dle, ” and return to the Bancroft mansion. 

“ Helen, what do you say about starting the 
divorce suit at once? ” 

“I am altogether in favor of it; I am only 
too anxious.” 

“Very well. It shall be done Monday 
morning. ” 

The next day being Sunday, they all at- 
tended worship. They had neglected this duty 
the first Sunday, being so much engrossed 
with the business in hand. 

Monday morning Mr. Bancroft called on his 
lawyer and laid this all important matter be- 
fore him. “Mr. Smith, we wish to obtain 
this bill in the quickest possible time.” 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


53 


“ Very well, Mr. Bancroft, I will proceed 
at once, but it will take some time, as you are 
aware the laws of our State require that the 
complaint shall be advertised a certain length 
of time in order to give the defendant an op- 
portunity to put in his answer. This kind of 
business is not done in this State on the sly,^ 
and high pressure style, as in Illinois.” 

“ Very well, push as fast as you can.” 

“I shall require your daughter’s presence for 
a few moments.” 

‘‘ At wdiat hour wdll suit your convenience 
best? ” 

“Well, say two o’clock.” 

“ All right, we will be here.” 

They met at the appointed hour. The busi- 
ness was dispatched quickly, and they returned 
home. 

Only a day or two had elapsed when Mr. 
Dalton met his book-keeper, with paper in 
* hand. He greeted him in this manner: “Hello, 
George, I see by this morning’s paper that the 
d — 1 is to pay at the Dalton mansion.” 

“ What’s up? ” inquired George. 

“ Look and you will know.” 

George read the notice and dropped his head, 
but only for a moment. He looked up with a 
smile and said, “ I don’t care a damn. Why^. 
Hal, do you know, I have expected this, and 
shall pay no attention to it whatever. If Helen 
wants a bill she can have it without my inter- 
ference. There’s lots of women as good as she, 
and you and I have got the rocks to bait our 


64 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


hooks to catch ’em. Heigh hoy, what do you 
say? ” 

cc VTe’re all right, with plenty of the where- 
with.” 

“Of course we are; let her sizzle. Come, 
let us go into Billy’s and take a drink to the 
success of the divorce.” 

The required time by law for the notice to 
appear in the papers has expired. Now all that 
remains to be done to relieve Mrs. Dalton 
from her husband, is to grant a bill of divorce 
and fix the sum which Mr. Dalton has to pay 
over to her. A few days settles the whole 
matter. The bill is granted, and the court de- 
crees that Mr. Dalton shall pay over to Mrs. 
Dalton five hundred thousand dollars at once, 
without delay. The money is paid promptly, 
as Mr. Dalton as yet has plenty of means. 
When he engaged in the banking business 
he was reputed to be worth five millions. His ' 
father was very wealthy. He died and left it 
all to George, the only child, his mother hav- 
ing died one year previous to his father’s death. 

It is well that Mrs. Dalton’s matters were 
pushed, as Mr. Dalton now goes to the bad 
very fast, and soon becomes financially wrecked. 
He still occupies his mansion. He yet retains 
the two servants. The first night after the re- 
moval of the furniture, he wandered around 
up stairs for a place to sleep. The only room 
with a bed, aside from the girls’ room, was 
Sam’s. He was obliged to take that, and still 
occupies it. We will again shadow Mr. Dalton 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


55 


for a time and learn more of his habits and 
conduct, which we think will be quite interest- 
in o the reader. 



^e will leave the Bancrofts quietly at home 
enjoying themselves as best they can. Helen 
has assumed her maiden name. She is gaining 
flesh fast, and looking fine. “ Gam’ma Ban,” 
as little “ chirper ” calls her, is as lively as a 
cricket, with little Helen at her side or in her 
arms almost constantly. Mary is having a fine 
time. Sam spends his time between the house 
and store, making himself generally useful. 

George, as we will call him hereafter, instead 
of Mr. Dalton, for convenience, as he is so well 
known to the reader, steps down to the walk 
after dinner. “Hello, Hal, which way? ” 

“ Only a little stroll; come on.” 

Hal is Harry Olmsted, the book-keeper at 
the bank, and George’s bosom friend. 

“ Well, George, where shall we go?” 

“Oh, we will take a little walk and fetch 
up somewhere for a little fun. ” They walked 
and talked. They are now on Broadway. 
Everything is gay, just the time to allure the 
unwary and sport seeker. Everything is 
dazzling and bewildering, even to an old New 
Yorker. “ Well, George, where shall we go?” 

“Oh, I don’t know, Hal. Had we better 
‘buck’ old Dick’s faro again? By the way, 
have you got any mon’?” 

“Yes, lots of it — about five thousand. I 
prepared for the old coon. I am bound to get 
back what we lost last night, with interest.’’ 


56 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


‘‘ Well, we will give him another whirl. Let 
us he seated here for a few minutes; it’s early, 
and I want to talk a little, and ask you some 
questions.” They were just in front of the — ^ 
house. It was a warm evening and chairs were 
outside. They were seated. 

“ Hal, I have been thinking over a matter 
lately and have been waiting for an opportunity 
to mention it to you.” 

‘ ‘ What is it, George? ” 

‘‘Are you sure that old Webb can’t get on 
our racket? ” Mr. Webb was one of the firm, 
who was always in the bank, in and out of 
banking hours. He was a bachelor, therefore 
had all his time to himself. He was very at- 
tentive to business, very seldom had anything 
to say to anyone, making it very hard to ferret 
him out, and learn whether he knew much or 
not. One thing was certain, he had lots of 
money, and as will be shown, he figured to 
keep it. Harry now answered George’s ques- 
tion. “ No, he don’t know enough.” 

“ But, Hal, you know he is always at the 
bank, snooping over everything. I thought, 
unless you are very careful with your books, 
he might get on to it. Y ou know we have been 
losing awful sums lately, and I am fearful 
we may never be able to retrieve our heavy 
losses, and fix the books all right. I can’t see 
how you can conceal the real state of things.” 

“Well, George, it’s a trade, an art, as it 
might truthfully be called. With a long prac- 
tice and experience we learn it all. ” 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


57 


“ I hope it will turn out all right, Hal, but 
I must confess I have been a little nervous of 
late. 

‘‘ Pshaw! George, brace up. We will go in 
and take a ‘smile’ and you will feel better.” 

“No, Hal, not one drop, if we are to buck 
old Dick’s tiger to-night. I propose doing it 
with a clear head. ” 

“All right, George, as you say.” 

“Well, let us go down,” said George, as he 
looked at his watch. 

“All right.” 

“Now, Hal, let us play carefully, and not 
hastily, and see what will be the result. ” 

They started for “Old Dick’s,” soon arrived, 
and immediately commenced a game. 

At first luck was against them as usual, but 
finally it turned in their favor. The checks 
heaped up on their side immensely. They 
almost lost their heads with excitement. It 
still continued to run in their favor. 

George turned to Hal and said in a low 
tone, as others were playing at the same table 
and might notice what was said: “Hal, we 
have knocked the old man’s bank all to pieces; 
shall we quit?” 

“Yes,” replied Hal. 

They ceased playing,' and called for a settle- 
ment. “Old Dick” made his appearance, as 
he had not been the dealer. As he gazed on 
the mountain of checks piled up in their favor, 
his eyes fairly glared with astonishment as he 
exclaimed: 

6 


58 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


‘‘Well, boys, you have struck luck to-night, 
certain.” 

“Yes, a little,” replied George. 

The money was counted out and handed 
over, amounting to a little over six thousand 
dollars. 

“Pretty good lift, boys, to-night; but it’s 
£l\1 right. Come in and see us often.” 

“All right, Dick. Good night.” 

^‘Good night, boys. ” 

It was twelve o’clock when they struck the 
walk. Delmonico’s, for supper, was now their 
objective point. They started, and George 
soon asked: 

“Hal, how do you like to-night’s business? 
Has it panned out to suit you?” 

“Yes, George, and clear beyond my most 
sanguine expectation.” 

“Do you know that to-night’s transaction 
shows conclusively that there is a right and a 
wrong way to play? Although it is a game 
of chance, and perfectly square, with a certain 
percentage in favor of the dealer, still there is 
a difference between reckless and cautious 
playing, and this night’s transaction proves it. ” 

“All right; I believe you.” 

They had just reached “Billy’s place” on 
their way to Delmonico’s, when George said: 

“Now, Hal, I will take that drink I refused 
before going over to ‘Old Dick’s.’ ” 

They drank heartily, touching glasses to the 
success of the night’s scheme, as they attrib- 
uted their success entirely to coolness, modera- 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


59 


tion and the utmost discretion, losing sight 
entirely of the percentage against them. 

Eeaching Delmonico’s they had an elegant 
supper, after which they started for home. 
On reaching the Dalton mansion, they halt for 
a short interview. 

‘ ‘ Hal meet me here at seven o’clock tomor- 
row evening. We will try ‘old Dick’s’ back 
hone again, and break it if possible. Bring 
lots of the ‘lucre’ with you for an emergency. 
By the way, Hal, don’t neglect to arrange the 
six thousand we are ahead tonight on the 
books.” 

“1 will attend to that, George, don’t you 
fear.” 

“Well, all right, Hal, goodnight.” 

“GTood night, George.’’ 

They met the next evening at the appointed 
hour. They started out for a stroll. They 
walked and talked. Finally George asked, 
“Hal, did you notice anything strange or pe- 
culiar about old Webb’s actions to-day? ” 

“No, I didn’t.” 

“Well, I did.” 

“What?” 

“Well, every time I stepped in to speak 
with you, he stopped his work, and seemed to 
listen, looking a little sideways, and peering 
out from under his bushy eyebrows as if sus- 
picious of something. It may be only imagi- 
nation. It is said that a guilty conscience 
requires no accusing.” 

“Nonsense, George, he don’t know as much 


60 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


as an old rotten clam. He’s a perfect old ‘do 
do.’” 

“ I only wish I could think and feel as you 
do, Hal. There would be a great load off my 
mind. I have studied this man Webb for 
many months — long before you and I entered 
in this collusion. I think he is a sagacious, 
far-seeing old coon, and we must be very 
cautious, or behind the grates we go, playing 
checkers with our noses.” 

“George, 1 see you are nervous tonight.” 

“Not at all, I only speak of this to put you 
on your guard. You don’t know this man as 
well as I do.” 

“Very well, George, I will be guided here- 
after by your advice, and be more on my 
guard. I don’t exactly know, but I am quite 
positive there are no loop holes left open by 
which there could possibly be shown a discrep- 
ancy in my accounts.” 

“All right, Hal, I shall rest on this assertion 
for the present.” 

“Here is ‘Billy’s place;’ shall we go in, 
George, or do as we did last night ?” 

“Well, Hal, perhaps one drink will do no 
harm, and as I am in rather low spirits to-night, 
I think we will indulge.” 

Coming out on the walk they at once started 
for “Old Dick’s.” 

“Hal, I will drop the checks to-night and 
you be prompter.” 

“All right, George, perhaps it will be best.” 

“ Hal, 1 am bound to break ‘Old Dick’ to- 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


61 


night. You have got ten thousand in your 
pocket, so he can’t break us. We will play' 

h 1 with his ducks to-night. I shall play 

eautiously, and if you see a mistake, you must 
prompt me at once.” 

With this understanding they entered. ‘ ‘Old 
Dick” greeted them very cordially. “Good 
evening, gentlemen, glad to see you.” 

The game was running. Several players 
had already staked their pile and gone dead 
broke. It made no difference; others stood 
ready to fill their places. George and Hal 
struck in. They had played about an hour 
with variable luck, sometimes winning, some- 
times losing. It ran along another hour with 
about the same result. It was really becoming 
monotonous, when all of a sudden, like a school 
of fish running in the net, they scooped in the 
ducats. It ran in their favor for a long time. 
They were ahead about the same amount, as 
near as they could calculate, as they were the 
night previous. They stopped for a short con- 
sultation. “What do you say, Hal, shall we 
quit? ” 

Hal held his hand to his mouth and spoke 
in a whisper. 

“No, we will break the bank in a little 
while longer.” 

They were both completely elated and near- 
ly beside themselves with success. They still 
stood by the table guarding their mountain of 
checks. 

“Come, gentlemen, have a little refreshment 


62 PLEASURE PROMOTER. 

while you are resting,” said ‘Old Dick’ as he 
. stood with his back leaning against the side 
board which was literally crammed with the 
choicest imported wines, liquors and cigars. 
He had been standing there a long time watch- 
ing the game very intently. 

“No, I thank you, Mr. Brown, I think I’ll 
not indulge at present,” answered George. 

“Oh, take something; you have been work- 
ing hard and I know you must feel exhausted. 
Come, have a cigar if nothing more. Here’s 
some of the pure article, ” as he handed out a 
box. 

Just at this juncture Hal spoke in a low 
tone to George. 

“I want a drink mighty bad; I am clear 
gone.” 

“ So do I, but I thought we would hold it 
out just for luck; but go ahead, take your 
drink; I will guard the checks, and then take 
mine.” After drinking, they again took their 
places at the table and resumed the game. 

The game went on with varying results, 
until nearly daylight, when luck took a turn 
against them. Like a tornado it swept every- 
thing before it. Their mountain of checks 
melted like dew before the morning sun. 
George sat there pale as death. Hal noticed 
his trembling just as he sank back in his chair 
in a faint. They gave him brandy, which re- 
vived him. Still the game went on, with 
plenty of players yet at the table. 

Hal stood with their few remaining checks 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


63 


in his hand, nervously turning them over, and 
watching George until he fully revived, when 
bespoke. ‘‘Is that all the checks we have 
left?” noticing the few in Hal’s hand. 

“Yes, George, all that’s left.” 

“Throw them on and let ’em go, there’s 
more where they came from.” 

Hal dashed them on “hap hazard” caring 
nothing for the result, as they were “worked” 
certain for the night anyway. Cards were 
dealt. “Lost,” says George. 

“ Well, all right,” as he stepped up to the- 
side board. “Little brandy, Mr. Brown, if 
you please.” 

“ \Yith pleasure, Mr. Dalton.” 

“ Come, Hal, don’t sit there with head down; 
brace up. Come, take a smile; it’s all right; 
it will be our turn next.” 

Hal stepped slowly to the side board and took 
a drink, and each took one of Dick’s Havanas. 

“Good night, or morning rather, Mr. Brown. ” 

“Good morning, gentlemen, please give us 
another call.” 

“ Old Dick” had watched their game closely, 
paying no attention whatever to others around . 
the table, as they were the only ones who were 
betting high. He knew they were losers of a 
large amount, but had no idea it was as large 
as it proved to be. 

George and Hal stepped out on the walk 
just at the dawn of morning. “Well, Hal, 
what do you think ?” 

“ I think we have had devilish bad luck.” 


64 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


“ Every dollar of the ten thousand ffone, 
heigh ?” 

“ Why, yes, you saw me slap on the last.” 

“ Yes, well, let it go; it was only a little 
turn of luck.” 

‘‘Pretty hard turn.” 

“ Yes, Hal, hut keep it covered on the 
books and we will come out all right yet.” 

“Don’t borrow the least trouble about that, 
George; I understand my business.” 

We will now leave these two smart young 
men for a few days and reveal something which 
has been in the wind and brewing for several 
weeks. The reader may anticipate, but it is 
much worse than can be imagined. 


CHAPTER YIII. 


LAST AND MOST EXCITING CHAPTER IN THE FIRST 
PART OF OUR BOOK. — MORE NEW FACES AND 
CHARACTERS.— HAIR BREADTH ESCAPES FROM 
DEATH. — ALL IS EXCITEMENT FROM THE BE- 
GINNING TO THE CLIMAX. 

I N a back room in a building on Broadway, 
at a little after 4 o’clock in the afternoon, sat 
a body of business men evidently discussing 
some topic of great importance. This body of 
men consisted of directors and members of the 
banking firm of Dalton, Granger & Co. All 
of the firm were present except Mr. Dalton, 
who was absent from the city. 

“ Well, Mr. Webb, we are ready to listen 
to what you have to say in this matter.” 

“Well, gentlemen, as I am the means of 
calling this meeting, and having only partially 
explained the business, I will start out with a 
broad assertion. Our bank is being system- 
atically robbed, and has been for a long time.” 
Here he paused. 

Director Williams was the first to speak. 
“ Mr. Webb, this is astonishing news to me, 
and I think to everyone present. ” 

Mr. Arlington asked, “ Have you an idea, 
Mr. Webb, who the robber is? ” 

“Oh, yes, I am as positively sure that I know 


66 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


the culprit as though I had seen the money 
taken.” 

They all dropped their heads for a moment. 
One of the members broke the silence: “This 
is plain talk, and I propose that you give us 
the name of the party at once.” This was^ 
seconded all around. 

“ Harry Olmstead is the man.” 

‘ ‘Now for your evidence,” they all ejaculated. 

“I have had my suspicions for a long time, 
but up to about three weeks ago I had used no 
special means to learn the true state of affairs. 
I employed two expert bank book-keepers, 
from two different banks. There are no better 
bank book-keepers in the city. I have known 
them a long time, and think we can trust them 
with this secret. They both pledged them- 
selves not to divulge any part of this transac- 
tion until the news became public property. 
We worked nearly every night for three weeks^ 
up to twelve, one, two and three o’clock in the 
morning, until we were thoroughly convinced 
that the books were being tampered with. 
The investigation showed conclusively that 
there was an effort made to cover large discrep- 
ancies. We unearthed enough to convince 
us that the bank had been robbed of nearly 
three hundred thousand dollars; possibly more. ” 

Here Mr. Webb rested. There was dead 
silence for a few moments, every one seeming- 
ly almost dumbfounded, when Mr. Granger 
asked, “ Well, Mr. Webb, what is to be done? 
You must be the manager of this business.” 


PLEASURE .PROMOTER. 


67 


There is but one thing to be done, and done 
at once, or our bank will soon be bankrupt. 
Harry Olmstead must be arrested, but I pro- 
pose, or suggest rather for your consideration 
that we give the fellow a little test before 
taking him into custody.” 

‘‘ What’s your plan of procedure ?” 

“ The first step tomorrow is to swear out a 
warrant for his arrest, put it in the hands of an 
officer or officers, — I think it is advisable to 
have two. They must be instructed to be 
here in this room precisely at four o’clock. 
They must enter the side door and not be seen. 
As many of you as can, had better be present.” 

They all said with one voice, ‘‘We will all be 
here. ” 

“ Very well, all the better. Lock this door 
leading to Harry’s office. Keep perfectly 
still. All be in about five minutes before four. 
I will have one of the officer’s whistles to use 
if need be. As I am to interview Harry alone, 
and of course there will be plain talk, it may 
become necessary to call the officers suddenly. 
He is very impulsive, and I know he always 
carries a revolver. ” 

“Mr. Webb, I wouldn’t take that course. 
I wouldn’t be in the room with him alone and 
make the accusation, knowing that he is armed. 
Why wouldn’t it be best to have the officers 
enter his office and arrest him at once?” 

“ I have a twofold reason for not wanting to 
take that course, Mr. Granger. Should he be 
inclined to confess he would be more likely to 


68 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


do it with me alone. The other reason I will 
not fully explain at present. I will simply say 
he may have an accomplice, and, if so, I may 
be able to get the whole story.” 

‘‘Very well, Mr. Webb, as you have taken 
the generalship upon yourself in this matter, I 
. am willing, for one, that you act in accordance 
with your own judgment.” 

“ Thank you, Mr. Williams. Now what say 
the rest ?” 

They spoke with one accord, “Go ahead.” 

Mr. Webb arose and said, “Gentlemen, this 
is all there is to be done to-night that I know 
of. You all understand the programme; to- 
morrow at 4: p. M., sharp.” 

They all arose, and, after a short consulta- 
tion, dispersed. 

Mr. Webb always opened the bank. He 
was in at 9 o’clock, which was his custom. 
After brushing up, and precisely at 10 o’clock, 
the shutters were thrown open. Harry was at 
his desk, not dreaming of the cyclone which 
would burst over his liead before sundown. 
In a few minutes Mr. Webb stepped out. He 
went immediately before an officer and swore 
out the warrant; then he went to police head- 
quarters and had a private interview with two 
officers. He handed over the warrant, ex- 
plaining eveiything in detail, with full in- 
struction. He then borrowed a whistle, explain- 
ing why he wanted it, and with the injunction, 
“ Don’t fail,” he bade them good morning. 

The time appointed was near at hand. Mr. 


PLEASUKE PEOMOTEK. 


69 


Webb was at his post, as cool as an iceberg. 
Harry had been industriously at work with his 
books all day. At precisely five minutes to 
four, Mr. Webb stepped out of a rear door, 
and went around to the side door which led to 
the room in which he expected to find his 
friends and two officers. They were all there, 
as still as mice looking for a •‘nibble.” Mr. 
Webb glanced around the room and put his 
hand to his mouth and whispered, “All right,” 
and slipped cautiously out. He entered the 
rear door just as Harry was putting on his 
coat to leave. He put on his hat and started, 
saying, “Good evening, Mr. Webb.” Mr. 
Webb had stepped from his apartment to that 
of Harry’s, the two being separated by a rail- 
ing and gate. “ Harry, one moment, please; 
I want to speak with you.” 

There was a chair with its back about two 
feet from the door leading to the room in 
which the officers were. “Be seated, Harry, 
I want to talk with you.” 

Harry mechanically and slowly dropped into 
the chair, resting his eyes upon Mr. Webb. 

‘ ‘ I have but a very few minutes to spare, 
Mr. Webb; I have an engagement at half past 
four,” taking out his watch and replacing it 
nervously. 

“Well, Harry, my rule is, ‘business before 
pleasure’.” 

“All right, Mr. Webb; proceed.” He evi- 
dently was making an efibrt to appear cool, 
but turned deathly pale and trembled. To a 


70 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


practiced eye no better evidence of guilt would 
be needed. 

“ Harry, I am about to broach a delicate 
subject. We have been investigating your 
book work. We find discrepancies of large 
amounts. This is a serious charge, Harry, and 
1 am extremely sorry to be obliged to make it.” 

“Mr. Webb, you are mistaken; you will 
find on close examination my books will prove 
correct.” 

“ Impossible, Harry; it is a plain case of 
embezzlement.” 

‘ ‘ Do you mean to say that I have robbed 
this bank ?” 

“ That is the only inference to be drawn.” 

Harry rose from his seat, and, as quick as 
thought, whipped his revolver out of his hip 
pocket and presented it straight towards Mr. 
Webb’s face, exclaiming in a loud voice, “Take 

back those words, or I will blow your d d 

brains out!” 

This was easily heard by the officers, who, 
without waiting for the signal whistle, jumped 
into the room, each seizing an arm and the 
revolver before the culprit had time to prove 
himself an assassin. Mr. Webb had just put 
the whistle to his mouth, and gave one blast 
after the officers were in the room, so quick 
were they. Only an instant, and the bracelets 
were adjusted. 

“Come on, Mr. Olmstead,” and they started 
for the door, each holding an arm. A carriage 
was in waiting, in which they were soon seated. 


PLEASUKE PKOMOTER. 


71 


“Gentlemen, where do you intend takinpc 
me?” 

“ To Ludlow street jail.” 

“ This is starting an innocent man off to jail 
rather suddenly.” 

“Yes,” replied one of the officers, “ this is a 
fast age; all business is done on the high 
pressure style.” 

“Yes, I should think so.” 

They were only a short time reaching the 
jail. Their bird was soon safely caged. We 
will now leave Harry, or “Hal,” as George 
always calls him, to busy himself with his 
own thoughts for a few days, while we unearth 
another link of this chain, which hitherto has 
not been dreamed of by any one of the firm, 
unless Mr. Webb is on the track. He is a 
cunning old coon, and Harry must think by 
this time that his estimate of him, when he 
said “he didn’t know as much as a rotten 
clam,” was far short of the truth. George re- 
turned to the city next morning about ten 
o’clock. He immediately started for the bank. 
He had not heard a word about this matter. 
He stepped in, and met Mr. Webb and the 
assistant cashier. After saluting them, he 
asked: 

“Where’s Hal?”' 

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?” 

“Why, no; I’ve heard nothing. I have 
just returned from the country. What’s up?” 

“Why, Harry has retired; he has left us.” 

“Mr. Webb, you seldom joke; but evidently 


72 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


this is a ioke, and I am anxious to know what 
it is.” 

“Well, George, I will not keep you in sus- 
pense. Harry is in Ludlow street jail.” 

“What!” 

“Even so, George.” 

“Why, I am completely thunderstruck!” 
and he almost fell, instead of sitting down in 
a chair. 

“What under God’s Heaven is he in jail 
for?” 

‘ Tor stealing about three hundred thousand 
dollars or more from this bank.” 

“Can it be possible?” 

“The books show it.” 

“What’s to be done?” 

“We have a meeting this evening to investi- 
gate further. Can you be present?” 

“Why, most assuredly I want to be here. 
At what hour?” 

“Immediately after closing.” 

“All right; I will be here. I have a call to 
make — will be back in a short time.” 

George went “posthaste” straight to Ludlow 
street jail. He entered, and asked, “Have you 
a prisoner by the name of Harry Olmstead ?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“ Can I see him ?” 

“ It depends altogether on who you are.” 

“ I am one of the firm who caused his ar- 
rest ?” 

“ Your name, please. ” 

“George Dalton.” 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 73 

He stepped to his desk for a moment, turned 
and said, '‘Mr. Dalton, we cannot admit you 
to the presence of the prisoner. Our instruc- 
tions are given us by the officers who brought 
Mr. Olmstead here. The instructions are 
signed by John Webb, and are imperative to 
not allow anyone to have a personal interview 
with Mr. Olmstead.” 

‘‘ Foil ” number one! George retraced his 
steps, and headed toward the bank. There 
was a “flea crawling in his ear,” and he could 
not get it out. The balance of the afternoon 
was spent by George mostly in “pumping” 
“Old Webb,” as Hal and George called him. 
He was too dry — he got no water. 

Four o’clock came, and the meeting was in 
session. Every point mentioned was thor- 
oughly discussed. Frequent questions were 
sulvuitted to George for his opinion. He hes- 
itated, and evaded answers. The meeting 
closed without arriving at anything definite. 
They adjourned, after appointing another 
meeting for the next night. The result was 
about me same. George had no suggestions 
or propositions to make. They met three 
nights in succession^ with George present. On 
the fourth night he excused himself by saying 
he had an engagement which must be kept. 
On that night all the members of the firm were 
present but George. 

Mr. Granger was the first to speak. “ Well, 
Mr. Webb, as you are captain, we look to you 
for instructions. What is to be done ?” 

6 


74 


PLEASUKE PROMOTEE. 


“ Well, gentlemen, I propose to go right at 
business to-night without ‘ whipping the devil 
around the stump.’ ” 

That is right, Mr. Webb,” all replied. 

‘‘ Now, gentlemen, prepare for another sur- 
prise. I strike right out when I get ready, so 
here it goes. I believe that George Dalton is 
an accomplice, if not the leader, in the robbery 
of this bank.” If a thunderbolt had struck the 
roof, and burst in the room, it could not have 
created more of a consternation. Some hung 
their heads, while others arose from their seats, 
and, with uplifted hands, exclaimed: “ My 
God! What have we come to ?” 

After the excitement had somewhat subsided, 
Mr. Arlington asked, “What is to be done 
now, Mr. Webb ?” 

“ I propose to undertake to get a confession 
from Harry, which I think I can do, after* he 
has been in jail a spell. If my suspicions are 
correct, and George is guilty, his absence from 
Harry and indiflerence toward him by not call- 
ing on him, as he cannot know the true reason, 
will all have a tendency to make him ‘ squeal ’ 
on George.” 

“Mr. Webb, you are quite a general. I 
never would have thought of that,” said Mr. 
Arlington. 

“Unless Harry confesses, and implicates 
George, we never can get at him, be he ever 
so guilty.” 

“ That is so,” was the response. 

Three weeks have passed, during which time 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


75 


George scarcely alluded to the transaction. 
The hrm had ceased holding regular meetings. 

We now find Mr. Webb in jail, in conversa- 
tion with Harry. Of course, they had to talk 
in the presence of a jailer. As they warmed 
with the subject they talked right out, caring 
naught for the presence of the jailer. “ Well, 
Mr. Webb, according to your version of this 
matter, 1 will have to go to Sing Sing anyway, 
and • my sentence might be mitigated by ex- 
posing my accomplice; so I will confess right 
here that 1 have one, and I think he ought to 
sufier as well as I; in fact, he is more to blame 
than I am.” 

‘‘ Well, Harry, you are wise in taking this 
course; it will make a vast difierence in your 
sentence, and I am glad you have concluded to 
make a clean breast of it.” 

This little speech seemed to give him cour- 
age, and before Mr. Webb had a chance to 
ask the name of his accomplice, Harry said: 
“George Dalton is the man. I suppose he will 
be mad enough to kill me, but he has gone 
back on me — has not even called since I have 
been in here.” 

The poor boy, — we will call him boy, as he 
is only twenty-three years of age, — was not 
aware of the fact that George had called, and 
was not permitted to see him. 

“Are you willing to make an affidavit of 
what you have told me ?” 

“ Yes, sir; I am.” 

They shook hands, and Mr. Webb left. 


76 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


A private meeting was called at the house of 
Mr. Granger, for the purpose of secrecy. 
They did not want the presence of George 
Dalton. At this meeting Mr. Webb explained 
his interview with Harry, after which it was 
unanimously agreed that Mr. Dalton should 
be arrested on the following morning. This 
resolution was promptly carried out with much 
less trouble than they had with Harry. They 
employed the same officers. George took it 
coolly and went quietly with them to Ludlow 
street jail. 

The balance of the first part of this book 
is quickly told. The evidence against them 
was overwhelming, besides Harry’s confession. 
George never confessed. They were tried for 
embezzlement and were convicted. George’s 
sentence was fifteen years at Sing Sing prison. 
Harry got ten years at the same place. We 
will now bid them adieu, and leave them to 
reflect over their errors. 

We have stepped over to the Bancroft man- 
sion and found everything serene, and all con- 
tentment and happiness. May God bless 
them. 

The reader may now^ ask, ‘ ‘ Why this odd 
title — Pleasure Promoter? It has been been 
trouble and commotion from the beginning;, 
although interesting, we admit, as a sensational 
story. We must confess, however, we fail to 
quite ‘catch on’ where the ‘pleasure promoter’ 
comes in. The title is ambiguous, and may be 
susceptible of a double meaning.” 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


77 


The reader will please bear with us for a 
moment while we explain. It is not the in- 
tention of the author that the reader will ex- 
perience great pleasure in the mere perusal of 
its pages. That the title is ambiguous and 
susceptible of a double meaning we admit. 
There is a hidden moral yet to be brought to 
light in the forthcoming second part. In our 
first part we have simply undertaken to portray 
a pen picture, showing that real pleasure is 
very seldom found hand in hand with great 
wealth. How well we have succeeded in our 
effort the reader must be the judge. In our 
second picture, which is a companion piece to 
the first, we will attempt to draw a contrast 
picture, showing that moderate circumstances, 
or even poverty, and real pleasure and happi- 
ness are very frequently found joined together 
in perfect bliss. If the reader, after perusing 
both parts, will reflect sufficiently to come to 
the conclusion to shun the vices set forth in 
the first part, and adopt the principles por- 
trayed in the second, we trust you will agree 
with us, and say, ‘‘Yes, if the good precepts 
of this book are strictly followed, it is very 
appropriately named, and will prove to all 
readers, both old and young, a real ‘pleasure 
promoter’.” We deem this explanation suffi- 
cient, and will now proceed with our second 
part. 


PART SECOND. 


CHAPTER I. 

M ay, beautiful May, tlie most charming” 
month in the year, when Nature dons 
her loveliest robes. The flowers are in bloom, 
the fields covered with green matting, the 
trees loaded with foliage, and the merry song- 
sters of the wood chirping and flitting from 
branch to branch. I prefer at this time the 
balmy breeze of the forest and stream, to the 
close and suflbcating atmosphere of the city. 
I love the music of the waters, and the clear 
notes of the feathered songsters. At this time 
I enjoy the grand anthem of the roaring bil- 
lows of the mighty ocean. I love to commune 
with Nature, away from the giddy throng. I 
love to ramble in the woods; what inspiration 
I breathe in the air! What high and noble 
thoughts are engendered by the surroundings! 
What a sermon of everlasting purity is preached 
by every breeze! What a divine church is 
here; every tree a pulpit, every bird a chorister, 
every spring a font! The green grass a carpet, 
while the clear blue, evemsting dome above 
is the roof of our tabernacle. Nearer to 
Nature — nearer to God. The sun shines, the 
birds sing, the trees and flowers grow, while 
the streams ripple, and all these beauties are 


PLEASUKE PKOMOTER. 


79 


for the enjoyment of man. Let us imitate 
Nature, for all that Nature’s laws require tend 
to our lasting good. Let us be pure, noble, 
j^nd good, that we may be the better able to 
appreciate and enjoy Nature’s noble works— 
not only at this time of year, but at all times. 
Pity it is that all are not allowed this enjoy- 
ment; but fate has ordained it otherwise. 

What sweet scenes of youth flood afresh to my mind, 

As I roam through the forest or float down the stream, 
While my heart feels as free as the whispering wind 

Which sweeps away care, in a pure, happy dream 

It is nearing the close of one of those beau- 
tiful May days of which we have attempted to 
draw a picture. We will now introduce to our 
reader Mr. John Raymond and his wife Agnes. 
We find them clear out, near sundown, on a 
prairie in the southern part of Dakota, in a 
little rough board shanty, twenty miles from 
an inhabitant, railroad, or any other road, all 
alone. They had moved from the cool hills of 
Vermont, and had lived in their shanty one 
year. John had been out one year previous 
to this, and located, and settled on one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, and made the 
necessary improvements required by the gov- 
ernment. 

He had built his shanty, made the required 
improvements, and returned home. Agnes 
Ringgold was his intended, and so understood 
b}^ the whole neighborhood. They were mar- 
ried, and immediately started for their far off 
home in the West, where we find them. 


80 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


During the time they have been on their 
farm they have experienced many difficulties, 
chief among which was a complete failure of 
their first crops by drought, which sometimes 
occurs in that part of the territory. 

They had raised barely enough to subsist on 
during the winter. Spring came, and they 
found themselves almost destitute. They had 
subsisted three wxeks on nothing but pounded 
corn and bacon. It was nearing the time for 
spring work to open, and something must be 
done. 

One day John came into the house with a 
glow on his cheeks and said, ‘‘Aggie, I have a 
plan. I am going to the settlement.” 

The settlement was a little hamlet which had 
grown up within a year, “ mushroom ” fashion. 
It was located on a railroad, which made it 
prospectively important. It had the high- 
toned appellation of “Grand City.” 

“What are you going there for?” 

“Well, I don’t really know myself, but 
something tells me to go. One thing is cer- 
tain, we can’t stay here in this condition. No 
provisions, no seed for spring work. Our case 
is becoming desperate, and requires desperate 
means to extricate us from this deplorable con- 
dition.” 

“John, I know all, and will rely upon your 
own good judgment and the mercy of God.” 

John’s oxen were in fine condition; there had 
been but little snow during the winter, which 
made it good grazing for them. 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


81 


Everything is in readiness the night before, 
and just at break of day John is ready to start 
for the settlement, twenty miles distant. He 
waits until it is sufficiently light to follow the 
dim track leading across the prairie. 

Agnes had been up with him, and prepared 
his plain breakfast of pounded corn made in a 
sort of ‘ ‘ hoe-cake, ” as the Southerner would 
eall it, with bacon. All is in readiness. Agnes 
is out standing by the side of old ‘‘ Buck and 
Bright,” patting them, and placing her hands 
against their noses. They give a sniff as if 
anxious for a start. 

‘‘Good-bye, Aggie; I shall not return until 
to-morrow night. Be sure you bar the door 
to keep out the wolves.” He gave her a 
hearty kiss, and was off. 

The oxen were fresh and walked at a rapid 
pace. At ten o’clock he had reached a settler’s 
hut which was just halfway between his ranch 
and “Grand City.” At one o’clock he steered 
old “Buck and Bright” right up in front of 
the most important place^ in the city, the gro- 
eery and provision store, where everybody 
eongregated. He had only halted, when a 
familiar voice greeted his ear. 

“Hello, John Raymond. My God, is this 
you ?” 

“ Why, yes. Uncle Zeke, how are you ?” 

“Purty well, John; how air you?” 

“I am well. Uncle Zeke. I am astonished 
to find you here.” 

“Not more ’stonished ’an I be to see yew. 


82 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


When did yew cum ? Where du yew live ? 
Where ye goin’ ? Come, tell me all about it; 
I’m dyin’ to know. ” 

I am on a ranch twenty miles south; have 
been there two years.” 

“ I want to know. Neow I’m more ’ston- 
ished. Yew bin so clus here two years an’ I 
never hern on ye. Don’t it beat all creation ? 
What luck, John, sence yew ben out here ?” 

“Well, uncle Zeke, I am right in hard luck. 
My crops were all cut off last year by the 
drought. We had enough to keep us com- 
fortably through the winter, but this spring 
finds my wife and I almost starving.” 

“Your wife! w’y John yew ain’t married be 
ye? ” 

“Oh, yes.” 

“Who did yew marry ? ” 

“Agnes Kinggold; I think you must have 
known her.” 

“Neow, John, yew don’t say ’et Agnes 
Ringgold is yer wife, and she’s clean eout in 
this ’ere kentry ? ” 

“Even so, uncle Zeke.” 

“And yew say you ’en Agnes is starvin fur 
sumthin’ to eat. Why Agnes was my pet gal 

of the naborhood, she was, an’ d n my pic- 

ter ef she shell starve.” 

“Hello, here ev’rybody! ” He jumped around 
like a crazy man. ‘ Make, J ake, Jake Schneider,” 
and Jake halted, as Zeke beckoned to him to 
come over. 

“Vhy, Zeke, vaht ish de matter mit you. I 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


83 


hear yo’s say, Shake, Shake, tre, fore, several 
times; I looks arount, unt I see you flying 
arount likes von wooster mit his het cut ofi*. 
Now, Zeke, vhat ish te matter ? ” 

‘‘Jake, let me make you acquainted with my 
friend, all the way from Vermont: Mr Schnei- 
der, Mr. Eaymond.” 

‘ ‘Misther Eamone, ef you is a frient of Zeke 
Yhilder, den I vhas your frent. Zeke, vhat 
you vahant ? ” 

“My friend lives out where the sun burnt up 
, everything last year. He has run clean out. 
Nothin’ to eat, no grain to put in this spring, 
and he is here fur help.” 

“Mine Gott in Himmel! Ish tot so?” 

“Yes, Jake, we must all do sumthin’ fur 
this man; you know how we would feel ef we 
wuz in the same sarcumstances. ” 

“Corse I do.” 

“ Mike, Mike, come over here! ” 

Mike Sullivan came over post haste. ‘ ‘Phat 
the divil do ye’s want, Zeke ! ” 

Mike was told all the particulars. He took 
an interest in the matter at once. They called 
up their friends, the facts were related, and 
they all agi'eed to stand their share to put this 
man Eaymond on his feet again, by loading 
his wagon with whatever he needed, in provi- 
sions and seed grain for spring sowing. 

The oxen were loosened from the wagon, 
and a large bundle of hay placed before them, 
after which the men stepped into the grocery, 
followed by John. There were six of them. 


84 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


After introducing Mr. Raymond, they gave 
their joint order to let this man have all he 
called for and charge the same to them. A 
barrel of flour was first loaded in. Then a 
barrel of good solid side pork. A firkin of 
butter; a kintal of mackerel; filling in with all 
the necessary articles for supplying the table, 
such as sugar, tea, cofiee, etc., in fact, every- 
thing to fit out a first-class table, and enough 
to last the two nearly a year. Now for the 
seed, grain, wheat, barley, corn, rye, oats, 
potatoes, beans, and the necessary garden 
seeds. All that could be thought of for their 
use was loaded on. It made a very large 
load. In addition to this, they left an order 
with the grocer to place to the credit of John 
Raymond fifty dollars worth of goods, to be 
dealt out to him as he might call for them, and 
the same be charged to them. When all was 
footed up it amounted to a little over one hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. 

John felt rich and almost beside himself. 
He tried to express himself with thanks to his 
benefactors. He was choked for words. He 
could only say ‘ ‘I thank you, gentlemen, from 
the bottom of my heart. This will save me 
and my dear wife.” 

While making this speech of gratitude, 
tears were flowing down his sun-burnt cheeks. 

“Yes, boys, I kno wed Aggie Ringgold when 
she war a little gal, and I dandled her on my 
knee many a time. I knowed her all along 
up to a gro wed-up gal. She was the purtiest 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 85 

and finest gal in all our parts. I have knowed 
J ohn Raymond, tew, ever sence he was born. 
I know he’s all right, tew. We’ll git our re- 
ward in Heaven for this act, ef not on airth.” 
Thus spoke Uncle Zeke. 

Mr. Lewis, the grocer, stepped outside, and 
found John hitching up the oxen. 

‘^Mr. Raymond, where are you going?” 

‘‘Over to the hotel. 1 must have my load 
inside, somewhere.” 

“Don’t go to the hotel with that load; it is 
too much exposed to be safe. I have a barn 
with a strong lock on the door, a wide stall 
for the oxen, and plenty of feed. You will 
stay at my house to-night. I will play I am 
landlord. ” 

“Thank you, Mr. Lewis, thank you. I am 
very fortunate to meet such friends; but I will 
make everything all right.” 

“Don’t mention it, Mr. Raymond; your 
recommendation from Uncle Zeke is sufficient 
for me.” 

Oxen hitched on — ready to move. John 
and Mr. Lewis were looking at the load. 
It loomed up like a mountain in the eyes of 
John. He had taken the precaution to put 
his hay rack on over the box of his wagon. 
He couldn’t tell why he did it. He certainly 
had no idea of bringing back hay; he had no 
use for it. It was lucky the rack was on ; they 
never could have put that load in the box. 

‘ ‘ Follow me, Mr. Raymond, please. ” They 
drove around to the barn. 


86 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


After everything was safely inside they 
went to the house. “ Mr. Kaymond, I make 
you acquainted with Mrs. Lewis.” 

Supper was in waiting. John enjoyed it, 
as he had eaten nothing since morning. After 
supper, Mr. Lewis gave his wife instructions 
to put up a basket of lunch for Mr. Raymond, 
as he would make an early start for home, and 
too early for their breakfast. 

‘‘ Mr. Raymond, I must now go to the store. 
I presume you are tired, and will retire early, 
and will be ofl’ early in the morning. I will 
bid you good-bye. May God bless you.” 

John sat reading a paper for a short time, 
after which he called for his bed. Mrs. Lewis 
handed him his basket of lunch, bade him good 
night, and he retired. 

Our pen fails; our language is inadequate 
to even give a faint description of the thoughts 
which ran through this good man’s head dur- 
ing the night. He was completely elated, al- 
most crazed with joy; he could not sleep; he 
could only rest his weary body. He closed 
his eyes, but not to sleep; that was impossible. 
He heard the roosters crow; he struck a light, 
and it was three o’clock. He bounded out. 
“ Buck” and “ Bright” must be watered, and 
have their breakfast. He sat watching his 
idols chewing their fodder. He almost wor- 
shipped his old “Reliables,” as he called them. 

Daylight peeped. Now for a start. The 
wagon run out, and “Buck” and “Bright” 
hitched on, he took his place by their side. 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


89 


After turning out his oxen to pasture for 
the night, he enters the house, or rather the 
shanty, with sleeves rolled up and sun-browned 
arms. He finds Agnes with “Johnnie.” Oh, 
we forgot to state that little Johnnie was 
brought to them only three weeks previous as 
a God-given oflering. She stood by the stove 
with “little Johnnie” in her arms, preparing 
the supper. 

“Oh, Aggie, dear,” as he placed a kiss on 
her ruby lips, “you are all tired out; let me 
take baby, do.” 

“Why, John, you look more fatigued than 
I do, I think.” 

“Oh, no, Aggie, let me take him; I feel all 
right.” 

This settled it; John took Johnnie, and 
away they went across the room, “belter 
skelter,” tossing baby up and catching him, 
until the frugal* meal was announced; after 
which they retired early, as there was no 
opera advertised in their locality. 

A year passed, with the same routine of daily 
pleasures in the shanty of the Raymonds. 
Crops had been good, everything flourishing. 
Baby Johnny had developed finely, and was 
toddling over the floor, sometimes up, but 
oftener down, which made it all the more in- 
teresting for John and Agnes. 

Three years have now passed. A little girl 
is their fortune, and a fair prospect for another 
crop, as the drought seems to have subsided. 
Everything was good, crops, babies and all. 


90 


PLEAS UKE PROMOTEK. 


But not too much so; the demand was equal to 
the supply. Crops were good year after year. 

They prospered beyond their most sanguine 
expectations. Twelve years have passed and 
we are happy to state, that there has never 
been a word of discord between them. All 
has been sunshine, pleasure, and happiness. 
They now have a beautiful family of eight 
children, four boys and four girls. They have 
been blessed with prosperity, having added 
one hundred and sixty acres more to their farm, 
which has proved very valuable, on account of 
a railroad now in course of construction, and 
running straight through the center of their 
farm. New buildings almost without number 
have been erected. John has managed to get 
a depot located right in the center of his farm, 
and has already commenced laying out build- 
ing lots for a town, which he has named 
‘ ‘ Raymond City. ” He has on his farm the 
finest water privilege in that region. 

Already there are capitalists looking over 
the ground with a view to erecting mills, fac- 
tories, etc. John has a keen eye to business. 
His prices will not be a hindrance. He is fully 
aware of the fact that this will surely build up 
his town, and greatly enhance the value of his 
property. 

After a few weeks have elapsed, the parties 
are again on the ground, investigating. They 
finally agree to locate there if prices of property 
are satisfactory. Terms are easily made, as 
John is anxious to have the improvements 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


87 


<‘Come on, my boys.” He took a left hand 
turn leading out of the little hamlet, and struck 
the track for home. He followed beside his 
“pets” for several miles, but becoming a little 
leg weary, and now seeing the trail plainly, he 
seated himself on the wagon. A king riding 
on his chariot, on the occasion of an ovation, 
could not feel more elated than did J ohn Eay- 
mond at this time. He found himself involun- 
tarily offering up a mental prayer to God for 
his deliverance. 

At ten o’clock he hauled up in front of 
“ Uncle Ben Schuyler’s” hut, — the “ half-way 
house” as John called it. He watered old 
“Buck” and “Bright,” and started for home, 
where he arrived at three o’clock. Agnes was 
not on the lookout for him before night. 
“Whoa!” sounded in the ears of Agnes, as 
she rushed to the door. 

“Oh, John, is that you?” 

She folded her arms around his neck, and 
never was there a more affectionate embrace. 
She glanced up at the load. 

‘ ‘What — what — ” 

She choked for utterance for a moment. 
She glanced again and exclaimed: 

“Something good, something wonderful has 
happened!” and without an explanation from 
John she said: 

“Let us pray.” 

They both knelt down, each by a wagon 
wheel, and Agnes offered up a short but 
fervent prayer to God for their deliverance. 


88 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


After that Buck and Bright were cared 
for at once. A hurried dinner was prepared 
with what was left of John’s lunch, with fried 
bacon, without disturbing anything on the 
wagon. This was as yet a great secret, soon 
to be revealed to Agnes. She only knew 
there was a mountain of something for their 
relief. After dinner the unloading commenced. 
Here was a great time. The little barn of 
course would hold the grain, which was all in 
bags; but the balance of the load was the 
trouble. They had but one room, which had 
to be used for kitchen, dining-room, bed-room, 
sitting-room, reception-room, drawing-room, 
and parlor. So you will readily see, after 
dividing oflf all those rooms from the one, 
which is only twenty feet square, there would 
be but little room left for storing things in. 
However, ‘‘where there's a will there’s away.” 

J ohn went at it, and made a few shelves of 
boards which could be spared from the barn. 
Everything was put in order before they re- 
tired for the night. A happier couple than 
John and Agnes this world never contained. 

Up early in the morning and at it. John 
was behind with his spring work. He had 
old “Buck and Bright” out early and late. 
He worked as no man worked before. He 
had one little drawback during the spring, 
which we will mention farther on. He was 
obliged to go to the settlement for a doctor 
for Agnes. John had been out ploughing 
this hot day preparatory for spring crops. 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


91 


made. The matter is closed. Operations will 
commence immediately, or as soon as material 
can be brought on. This is the beginning of 
J ohn Raymond’s great success. 

Mills, factories, and shops of all kinds were 
built as if by magic. As there were two difier 
cnt roads touching that point, one nearly com- 
pleted, the other laid out and settled upon, 
building lots went up to enormous prices. 
John bought all the adjoining land, as the say- 
ing goes. He bought on all four sides of “Ray- 
mond City,” until he owned two thousand 
acres. This included all of the good water 
privileges, and the cream of that section of 
country. 

With ordinary good luck in a few years John 
Raymond will be the wealthiest man in the 
Territory. We arc glad he is worthy, honest 
and kind. His wife, Agnes, comes as near 
being an angel as a human being can. She is 
all goodness and kindness, and is possessed of 
just the spirit to succeed in that country. If 
John fails to succeed with such a wife, it will 
be very strange. We must not neglect to 
mention that J ohn has long since been to the 
settlement and liquidated his obligations with 
his friends who so kindly stepped forward and 
extricated him from probable ruin. They re- 
turn visits regularly with “Uncle Zeke.” He 
brings his “(3d woman,” as he calls her, with 
him. They invariably come on Saturday and 
stay over Sunday and attend church. We 
forgot to mention that they have two very fine 


92 


PLEASUKE PROMOTER. 


churches in ‘‘Kaymond City,” — Methodist and 
Presbyterian. John and the whole family be- 
long to the latter. 

We will now take leave of this happy and 
prosperous family, as we are obliged to leave 
all our friends mentioned in this little book, 
who have contributed so largely toward 
our efforts to make it interesting to the reader. 

We close our second part by simply asking, 
“ Will the reader ‘catch on’ and enjoy a ride 
on the wings of 

“Pleasure Promoter?” 


• SOMETHING FOR MOTHERS TO READ. 


ALTHOUGH FOREIGN TO THE MATTER CON- 
TAINED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES, YET 
WE CANNOT CLOSE WITHOUT A WORD TO 
MOTHERS, SHOWING THE FOLLIES OF THE 
DAY, AS ILLUSTRATED BY THE CONDUCT IN 

PUBLIC OF MANY YOUNG LADIES. MOTHERS, 

WHAT ARE YOUR DAUGHTERS DOING ? 

I N a Pullman sleeper, the other night, 1 
watched an affecting parting between a 
young woman and her sweetheart. She was a 
bouncing maiden of the “Daisy Miller” type; 
he, an insignificant young dude, with “cater- 
pillar fuzz” on his upper lip, and a hat two or 
three sizes too small for his small head. But 
what matter ? They were 

Two souls with but a single thought. 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


93 


The agony of parting almost overcame them. 
Their sweet sorrow was long drawn out. Thejr 
sweet lips clung together in many long kisses, 
while he whispered airy nothings in her ear, 
and embraced her repeatedly, and she wept 
and sobbed in her freshly ironed handkerchief. 
The eyes of every one in the car were upon 
them, and cynical and scoffing remarks were 
plenty. 

At last they tore themselves apart, and he 
went outside, under the glare of the electric 
light, which displayed his beauty to the utmost 
advantage, and called all sorts of tender last 
instructions to her through the window, while 
she, in the shrill American voice, directed 
“Cholly’' to ‘‘go and see ‘ma’ often while she 
was away.” 

~ Marcantonio, the cynic, who had come to 
see me off, sneered audibly. ‘ ‘ Don’t scoff at 
youth and beauty in distress, — don’t sneer at 
love’s young dream,” 1 said. 

“Distress! Love's young dream!” he re- 
plied. “ Mark my words, before you’ve been 
out a half hour she will be flirting with some 
other man.” 

■ The eastern bound train rolled out of the 
depot, the passengers settled themselves for 
the journey, and me young Pullman conduc- 
tor made his first appearance with great bril- 
liancy and eelat. How it happened I cannot 
tell, for my thoughts were busy elsewhere, 
but after a little I raised my eyes and lo! 
“Cholly” was forgotten. Daisy’s tears were 


94 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


dried, and she was conducting, according to 
the best knowledge and most authentic rules 
of the game, a successful flirtation with the 
young conductor. She giggled, she made 
eyes, she frowned prettily, she was so charm- 
ingly helpless about the window, she must 
have water, and oranges, and the dickens 
knows what all; and the railway fledgling was 
at her beck and call. 

Next morning the flirtation had made per- 
ceptible progress. Daisy went to breakfast 
with gilt buttons and blue clothes, and what 
little there was inside of them. After break- 
fast, she donned her ulster and the big flaring 
Gainsborough, and went out and rode on the 
platform, ‘‘to look at the scenery,” she said, 
which consisted mainly of flat meadows freshly 
plowed, and was accordingly of surpassing 
beauty. She talked at the top of her voice 
and informed the other passengers that now 
she guessed she’d better wash her hands, and 
then she guessed she’d have a pillow. This 
being brought, she made great use of it for the 
further subjugation of the unhappy conductor, 
for, taking it, she posed upon it in such eflfect- 
ive attitudes as to win glances of approval and 
speeches of admiration from the infatuated 
and now hopelessly enchanted youth. In fact, 
for several hundred miles Daisy formed the 
staple amusement for a car full of passengers. 

Being delayed for several hours in an out 
of the way Canadian town on the following 
day, I watched the gradual unfolding of an- 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


95 


other sudden attachment. “Daisy,” the sec- 
ond, was also traveling alone. She was a 
pretty girl, but had a look of brazen, full 
bloom coquetry in her eyes. A man, who 
certainly looked old enough to know better, 
with wrinkled face and hlase eyes, made her 
acquaintance. He was devotion itself; he sat 
by her side and stared into her pretty, peachy 
face with a vicious gaze, and complimented 
her in the most bold and florid fashion; and 
when I left them in the soft, mellow twilight, 
his arm was about her, and she was cuddled 
up under his protecting wing, like a fascinated 
bird under the coil of a serpent. 

A gentleman, who has a daughter of eighteen 
years, said: “Well, if I thought my daughter 
would act like that, I should want to shoot 
myself. ” 

Both of these girls were well, even richly 
dressed, and had the appearance of being the 
daughters of well-to-do parents. 

What are our girls doing? The streets of 
all our great cities are filled with girls from 
twelve to eighteen, who are ready and willing 
to flirt, and make the acquaintance of any 
tolerably good-looking and well-dressed stran- 
ger. Go anywhere; in street cars, on trains, 
on steamers, in parks and on avenues, in New 
York or Chicago: you can witness any number 
of such scenes as we have described. At the 
hours when shops close, and business men are 
walking to their homes, this parade is most 
noticeable. W e have a friend who walks every 


96 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


night from his office to his rooms, a distance 
of several blocks. He says that every night, 
well-dressed girls, not disreputable women, but 
daughters of very respectable people, throng 
great thoroughfares to make a ‘‘mash;” that 
they often accost him — even young girls with 
short skirts, and hair hanging in braids, and 
by look or word invite his society. Nor is 
this an exceptional case. We often hear of 
and witness these remarkable exhibitions. This 
is what the girls are doing. 

Now, what are the mothers doing? Well, 
many of them are absorbed in their houses, 
looking after this and that, arguing about the 
width of a pillowcase hem, or whether hot or 
cold starch will produce the most resplendent 
results. Some of them are wrapped up in 
church work, attending church lectures, or 
making flannel shirts for the heathen, or look- 
ing after the church sociable, or carpeting the 
minister’s study, or teaching Sunday school, 
or, oh, mockery! leading a “mother’s meet- 
ing.” The mothers are lost in theories, while 
the daughters are learning frivolity or some- 
thing worse. 

It has been our fortune to spend several sea- 
sons at a famous religious summer resort. 
While the mothers were drinking in spiritual 
draughts at the great tabernacle, built for de- 
votional purposes, the daughters were dawd- 
ling away their time in hanging about the boat 
landings, and making the acquaintance of the 
good looking sinners who came from a certain 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


97 


ungodly resoi*t near by. Thus when the sons 
of Grod go up to worship, Satan generally gets 
his work in. To the girls who do this sort of 
thing — pick up a chance acquaintance here ajid 
there, and listen to the cheap compliments of 
their fellow travelers, railway conductors, and 
all the other spiders which are on the watch 
for foolish flies — we will simply say, “You are 
running a tremendous hazard. You are but 
the idle amusement of an idle hour for these 
men. Don’t flatter yourselves that you will 
find a true man or a loving husband among 
the men who approach you in that bold way. 
Men do not care to be sought; they prefer to 
seek. Your name will be bandied about from 
traveling man to traveling man, from one rail- 
way conductor to another. In their vocabu- 
lary you will simply be, “My last mash,” an 
oflensive description of yourself, garnished 
with winks, while inuendoes will pass from 
mouth to mouth; and while at heart you may 
be perfectly innocent, none of these men will 
believe you to be. 

To the mothers we would say, pretty sharp- 
ly: Why in the name of common sensfe don’t 
you let your temperance lectures, and your 
table cloths, your jelly, and your heathen’s 
flannel shirts, your covenant meetings and the 
flies go, and look after your daughters a little 
more? Why do you allow them to travel 
alone — to make a street parade a daily habit? 
And those Sunday afternoon strolls in the 
parks: Do you realize what they mean? In 


98 


PLEASURE PROMOTER. 


these days, when so much is being done for 
children, when their physical culture and de- 
velopment are so thoughtfully considered, 
when their mental education receives so much 
attention — is there not a little danger that 
their morals may be overlooked? Oh, mothers, 
mothers, look closely to your daughters, that 
they may do virtuously — that they excel all 
— and that one day they may rise up and call 
you blessed. 

* * * * * -j?- 

We have had many characters to deal with 
in this little volume. It has been our en- 
deavor to treat them all justly and with kind- 
ness. We have endeavored to interest the 
reader; how well we have succeeded we can- 
not judge. Should it be our good fortune to 
meet you again, we trust it may be with a 
welcome smile. We now bid you adieu. May 
God bless you. 

Yours truly, 

S. Jay Bowers. 
















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